Word: cogent
Pronunciation: KOH-jΙnt
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: clear, logical, and convincing
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Today’s Word of the Week is highly applicable to my line of study. After formulating theories or attaining results, scientists have to know how to defend their findings in a manner that’s logical and convincing. The ability to form “cogent” arguments is an important skill for every academic, as it is for any writer hoping to successfully pitch a big story!
A “cogent” argument or case is logical and clear enough to be convincing. The word arose in the mid 17th century and comes from the Latin verb cogere, meaning “to compel”. This verb is composed of the preposition com “together” and the verb agere “to drive”.
Though I haven’t yet read it much in fiction, “cogent” is definitely a word I’d like to work more into my stories. With all the experience I have reading researchers’ discussions in scientific papers, I could have fun writing logical cases and arguments in my fiction. If you write plenty of debates and discussions among your characters, “cogent” may be a good word to describe their best arguments! Good luck!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future βWord of the Weekβ featured words?
Great word! Thanks for sharing . …
You’re welcome! I like it too! Thanks for reading! π
If not included already, please add ‘cantankerous’ to your word of the day. Its is a majestic word. I need say no more on the matter once you have said the word out loud.
Haha, that’s a great word! I’ll be sure to add it to the list. Thanks for the suggestion! π
I know only the best words!
Love this word, JC. And you’re so right that this word is applicable to writers who are pitching their story. Mathair and I were watching the tv show Chopped and thought of you. It was the English invasion and one of the chefs made a syllabub. Mathair freaked out and said “JC’s word of the week!” π
Haha, how sweet of you to think of me when hearing a new word! Syllabub? Never heard of it! I’ll have to look that one up for sure. Good to see you again, ladies! As always, thanks for reading! π
I like this word, and must try to include it in some of my writing. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, π
You’re welcome! Glad you like it too! It’s a great word for stories with intelligent characters. Good luck! Thanks for reading! π