coherence

noun

co·​her·​ence kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of cohering: such as

a

: systematic or logical connection or consistency

The essay as a whole lacks coherence.

b

: integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values

"The various parts of this house—discrete in color, in shape, in placement—join together with remarkable coherence."

—Paul Goldberger

2

: the property of being coherent

a plan that lacks coherence

Synonyms

• balance
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• symphony
• unity

Examples of coherence in a Sentence

the house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence

Recent Examples on the Web

Willow demonstrated a doubling of memory coherence, another essential step in reducing inherent error rates. —Karl Freund, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Plenty of classical musicians have the kind of technical virtuosity that’s simultaneously impressive and glib; expressive virtuosity like Dueñas’s, the ability to guide a piece through a complex emotional landscape without losing narrative coherence — that is infinitely rarer. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024

Ensure consistency, accuracy, and coherence; (3) Validation. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Diamond enables faster charge propagation and better qubit coherence compared to other materials. —New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1