cogency: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Advanced to Proficient)Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “cogency” mean?
The quality or state of being clear, logical, and convincing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being clear, logical, and convincing; persuasive power.
The compelling force or power of an argument, evidence, or reasoning that makes it convincing and difficult to refute. It implies a combination of relevance, clarity, and soundness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes intellectual rigour and formal analysis.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, confined to academic, legal, and formal analytical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “cogency” in a Sentence
The cogency of [NP] (e.g., the argument, the evidence)His argument lacked cogency.It derives its cogency from [NP].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cogency” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- None. 'Cogence' is not a standard verb. Use 'to be cogent'.
American English
- None. 'Cogence' is not a standard verb. Use 'to be cogent'.
adverb
British English
- He argued cogently for a change in strategy.
- The case was cogently presented to the committee.
American English
- She wrote cogently on the topic of judicial reform.
- The evidence was cogently summarized in the report.
adjective
British English
- The barrister's submission was particularly cogent.
- She raised a cogent point about the budget oversight.
American English
- The attorney's closing argument was remarkably cogent.
- He offered a cogent critique of the policy proposal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports or white papers analyzing a strategic argument: 'The board questioned the cogency of the merger rationale.'
Academic
Most common. Used in philosophy, law, rhetoric, and critical analysis: 'The essay evaluates the cogency of Kant's moral reasoning.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal and out of place.
Technical
Used in logic, legal argumentation, and formal debate to assess the strength of reasoning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cogency”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cogency”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cogency”
- Using it to describe a person ('He is very cogent.'). Use 'convincing' or 'persuasive' instead.
- Using it in informal speech.
- Confusing spelling with 'cognac' (the drink).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, legal, and philosophical writing.
No, it describes the quality of reasoning, evidence, or an argument, not a person. Use 'persuasive', 'convincing', or 'cogent' (adjective) for people.
'Cogency' is a subset of 'persuasiveness'. It specifically refers to persuasiveness derived from clear, logical, and sound reasoning, whereas 'persuasiveness' can include emotional or rhetorical appeal.
The related adjective is 'cogent'.
The quality or state of being clear, logical, and convincing.
Cogency is usually formal, academic in register.
Cogency: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.dʒən.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.dʒən.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COG in a machine – it must fit perfectly for the machine to work. 'Cogency' is the quality of an argument where all the parts fit together perfectly to make it work convincingly.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS A STRUCTURE / MACHINE (A cogent argument is a well-built, smoothly functioning structure or machine.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cogency' MOST appropriately used?