coherent
UK[kəʊˈhɪərənt]US[koʊˈhɪrənt]
adj
Logical, consistent, and forming a unified whole
adj
(of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent
adj
(of waves or particles) having a constant phase relationship
Morpheme Breakdown
co
her
ent
co
together
her
stick
ent
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word "coherent" originates from the Latin verb cohaerēre, meaning "to stick together, be connected, or be consistent." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix co- (together) and the verb haerēre (to stick, cling). The core concept of physical adhesion or sticking together evolved metaphorically into the abstract sense of logical connection and consistency. By the mid-16th century, "coherent" entered English, initially describing things physically united, before its meaning fully specialized to describe ideas, speech, or arguments that are logically interconnected and clear.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + her (stick) + ent (adjective suffix)
- co: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "together," "with," or "jointly."
- her: A root of Latin origin (haerēre) meaning "to stick," "to cling," or "to adhere."
- ent: A suffix of Latin origin (-entem) used to form adjectives meaning "doing" or "being in a state of."
Examples
The researcher presented a coherent theory that explained all the observed phenomena.
After the shock, she was too distressed to give a coherent account of the accident.
A laser produces a beam of coherent light, where the light waves are in phase.