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

Pun serves as his own director of photography here, which goes a long way to ensuring that the unfolding mayhem retains a visual coherence, even when the narrative threatens to become unshackled. —James Marsh, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

Additionally, to overcome technological limitations, such as quantum coherence and data transmission speeds, financial leaders will need to do deep research and planning across multiple disciplines. —Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Innovations such as topological quantum error correction and feedback control systems can maintain coherence over extended periods and distances. —Pramod Kumar, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Transcending details and achieving compositional coherence—or, to extend the alliterativeness, horological wholeness—is the pinnacle of watch design. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1