Cohesion

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kəʊˈhiːʒən/

Definitions

• The action or fact of forming a united whole.
• The sticking together of particles of the same substance.
• A state of being logically connected, typically in a text or speech, that creates a sense of unity or consistency.

Usage Examples

• The cohesion of the team allowed them to overcome the challenges.
• Good cohesion in writing ensures that ideas flow logically from one to the next.
• The cohesion between the molecules in water is what makes it a liquid at room temperature.

Etymology

From Latin "cohaesio" meaning "a sticking together," from "cohaerere" meaning "to stick together." The word "cohesion" entered the English language in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Unity
• Bond
• Solidarity
• Connection
• Conjunction

Antonyms

• Disunity
• Separation
• Fragmentation
• Division

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (US): /kəʊˈhiːʒən/
• English (UK): /kəʊˈhiːʒən/
• Spanish: /ko.eˈsjon/
• French: /kɔ.e.zi.ɔ̃/

Historical Usage

The concept of cohesion has been essential in various fields, including science and philosophy. In early texts, cohesion referred to the physical force that causes objects to stick together, such as water molecules. Over time, it expanded to describe social and organizational unity, as well as the logical structure of texts and speeches. The term has seen particular usage in discussions of political, social, and academic unity, where it denotes the strength and consistency of group or structural elements.

Cultural Nuances

The idea of cohesion is often linked to the strength of a group, whether in political, social, or familial contexts. In societies where collective unity is highly valued, such as in many Indigenous cultures, cohesion plays an important role in community dynamics and resilience. It is frequently discussed in the context of nation-building, organizational behavior, and even in the arts, where cohesive work is considered of higher quality due to its unified structure and message.

More Information

Cohesion is a fundamental concept in both the physical sciences and the social sciences. In physics, cohesion refers to the force that causes like molecules to stick together, such as in the case of water molecules bonding due to hydrogen bonding. In social sciences, cohesion is a measure of how well the elements of a group, community, or society work together towards common goals. It is often seen as an indicator of stability and strength within a group. Cohesion also plays a central role in group dynamics, organizational behavior, and the success of collaborative efforts in various fields, from politics to business to education.