cogent
Clear, logical, and convincing.
ExampleThe essay offers a cogent argument against the proposed policy.
ExampleHer cogent explanation made the complex data easier to evaluate.
Usage Scenarios
Argument evaluation
Use cogent when reasons fit together and support the conclusion effectively.
ExampleThe scholar's cogent argument persuaded even skeptical readers.
Explanation clarity
Use it when an explanation makes difficult evidence understandable and convincing.
ExampleThe report gives a cogent explanation for the unexpected results.
Usage Guide
Use cogent when a GRE sentence praises reasoning that is both clear and convincing. It often modifies argument, case, explanation, critique, or analysis.
Strong chunks include cogent argument, cogent explanation, cogent case, and cogent critique. The word evaluates reasoning, not emotional force.
Do not use cogent for a claim that is merely loud or confident. Cogent requires logical support that makes the claim persuasive.
Word Forms & Word Building
Cogent comes from a root idea of driving together or compelling, which fits its sense of reasoning that compels belief.
Cogency is the noun formed with the suffix -cy and means convincing logical force.
Build GRE chunks with reasoning nouns: cogent argument, cogent case, cogent explanation, cogent critique.
Meaning Boundaries
Cogent vs coherent
Coherent means logically connected. Cogent goes further: the reasoning is connected and convincing.
Cogent vs trenchant
Trenchant is sharp and forceful, especially in criticism. Cogent is clear, logical, and persuasive.
Register
Cogent is formal and common in GRE passages about argument quality, criticism, and explanation.
Memory Tricks
Think clear enough to convince. Cogent is logic with persuasive force.
Pair it with argument and explanation because those are the safest GRE nouns.
Look for clues like convincing, well reasoned, persuasive, logical, or compelling.
Common Traps
Do not use cogent for a person unless you mean the person's argument or explanation.
Do not confuse cogent with urgent; cogent is about reasoning, not time pressure.
If the sentence emphasizes ambiguity, equivocal is the opposite direction.