Coherence

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kəʊˈhɪə.rəns/

Definitions

• The quality of being logical and consistent.
• The state of being united or forming a whole.
• The process or act of sticking together or being cohesive.

Usage Examples

• The coherence of his argument made it easy to follow.
• The novel lacks coherence, with a disjointed plot and unclear themes.
• The team’s success is largely due to the coherence between their members.

Etymology

Originating from the Latin word "cohaerentia," meaning "the state of sticking together," which is derived from "cohaerere," meaning "to stick together" or "to be united." The word "coherence" entered the English language in the early 17th century, retaining the meaning of logical and physical unity.

Synonyms

• Consistency
• Unity
• Logicality
• Coherence
• Continuity

Antonyms

• Disjointedness
• Incoherence
• Confusion
• Fragmentation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (US): /kəʊˈhɪə.rəns/
• English (UK): /kəʊˈhɪə.rəns/
• Spanish: /ko.eˈɾenθja/
• French: /kɔ.eʁɑ̃s/

Historical Usage

The term "coherence" has been used since the 17th century to describe logical consistency. Early uses often referred to the act of sticking or adhering together. Over time, the word expanded to refer to both logical connections in arguments and physical connections in material objects, especially in scientific contexts such as physics and chemistry.

Cultural Nuances

In philosophy, "coherence" refers to the quality of an argument or belief system being logically consistent. A coherent system of beliefs or arguments is one in which the ideas fit together and support each other in a harmonious way. In different cultures, the importance of coherence varies, but it is often central to ideas of truth, wisdom, and rationality. Coherence is also a vital concept in fields like literature, where a narrative's success often depends on how coherently its plot and characters are developed.

More Information

Coherence is an essential concept in various fields, from philosophy to science. In philosophy, coherence theories of truth suggest that beliefs or propositions are true if they are consistent with other beliefs within a system. In physics, coherence describes the phase relationship between waves or particles, and it is a key property in understanding phenomena like laser operation and quantum mechanics. Coherence is also critical in everyday life when it comes to communication, relationships, and problem-solving, where unity and logical consistency are necessary for effective interaction and decision-making.