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

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

The lack of coherence from Arsenal on the ball was represented in just one of their 14 shots being on target. —Art De Roché, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024

Some of the terracotta floor tiles, however, were replaced by waxed concrete to achieve a visual coherence. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1