coherence
Meaning
the situation in which all the parts of something fit together well
the logical and orderly relationship of parts that makes for an intelligible whole, especially in thought or expression
Structure
Usage
the essay lacked coherence, jumping from one idea to another without clear links.
the team's success was due to the coherence of their strategy and execution.
quantum coherence is a fundamental concept describing the wave-like property of particles.
Etymology
The word 'coherence' has a tangible origin in the physical act of sticking together. It stems from the Latin verb cohaerēre, which is a compound of co- (meaning 'together') and haerēre (meaning 'to stick, adhere'). This literal sense of parts being joined or clinging together was used in classical Latin. Over time, the meaning evolved from the physical to the abstract, describing things that are logically connected and consistent, forming a unified whole. The suffix -ence was adopted from Latin to form a noun denoting the state or quality of being coherent, completing the word's journey from a concrete action to an abstract principle of unity and logical connection.
Analysis
co- (prefix of Latin origin, meaning 'together'); -her- (root from Latin haerēre, meaning 'to stick, cling'); -ence (noun-forming suffix of Latin origin, indicating a state or quality).