Reading Theme:
Coherent: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：clear and logical (coherent)
coherent
/koʊˈhɪrənt/
adj.
When speaking or writing, all parts connect well, making it easy to follow.
clear and logical
➕
/klɪər ænd ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
adj.
Describes speech or writing where all parts are logically connected, allowing for easy understanding and follow-through.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'co-' (together) + 'haerere' (to stick), meaning 'sticking together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Coherent ideas 'stick together' smoothly, making them easy to follow.
📖 Example
The teacher gave a coherent explanation of the historical event, so even the youngest student understood it perfectly.
The teacher provided a clear and logical explanation of the historical event, so even the youngest student understood it perfectly.
🔗 Collocations
coherent explanation – a clear and logical explanation
coherent speech – a well-structured and understandable speech
coherent narrative – a story with logically connected events
🔄 Synonyms
logical (adj.) – based on clear reasoning and consistency
consistent (adj.) – free from contradictions or discrepancies
lucid (adj.) – expressed in a clear and easy-to-understand manner
🚫 Antonyms
incoherent (adj.) – not clear or logical; lacking connection
illogical (adj.) – not based on sound reasoning or sense
🌱 Derivatives
coherence (n.) – the quality of being logical and consistent
coherently (adv.) – in a clear and logical manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'cohaerere', meaning 'to stick together'. In modern English, it's commonly used in academic writing and business presentations to assess logical consistency and clarity.
Meaning 2：logically tight and consistent (coherent)
coherent
/koʊˈhɪrənt/
adj.
Describes an argument, plan, or theory that is logically tight, with all parts well connected and free of contradictions.
logically tight and consistent
➕
/ˈlɒdʒɪkli taɪt ænd kənˈsɪstənt/
adj.
Describes an argument, plan, or theory that is structured logically with all parts well connected and free of contradictions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
To get a high score in the essay, you need to present a coherent argument with strong supporting evidence.
To achieve a high score in the essay, you must present a logically tight and consistent argument supported by strong evidence.
🔗 Collocations
coherent argument – a logically structured and consistent argument
coherent plan – a well-organized and logical plan
coherent theory – a theory with interconnected and consistent parts
🔄 Synonyms
consistent (adj.) – not containing any contradictions; uniform throughout
sound (adj.) – based on valid reasoning and evidence
rational (adj.) – guided by logic or reason rather than emotion
🚫 Antonyms
incoherent (adj.) – lacking logical connection or clarity
contradictory (adj.) – containing elements that oppose or conflict with each other
🌱 Derivatives
coherence (n.) – the state of being logical and consistent
coherently (adv.) – in a manner that is clear and logically connected
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