Cogent

adjective

/ˈkəʊdʒənt/

(Of an argument, case, or reasoning) clear, logical, and convincing; powerful enough to compel acceptance or belief. A cogent point is well-marshalled and forceful because it is coherent and evidence-based.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The petitioner advanced a cogent argument that the indefinite suspension of fundamental rights during an Emergency violates the basic structure of the Constitution, compelling the Court to read in stricter procedural safeguards.

Synonyms

compellingconvincingpersuasiveforcefulwell-reasonedtelling

Antonyms

unconvincingweakspeciousincoherent

🌱 Word Family

cogent (adj), cogently (adv), cogency (n)

🔡 Root

Latin co- = together + agere = to drive → cogere = to drive together, compel; via French (c. 1659)

📜 Etymology

From Latin cogent-, cogens, present participle of cogere 'to drive together, compel, force' (from co- 'together' + agere 'to drive'); entered English via French in the mid-17th century (c. 1659).

🧠 Memory Hook

Cogent shares its root (agere, "to drive") with "agent" — a cogent argument is an active agent that drives its points "together" (co-) into your mind, forcing you to agree.

🧭 Ethics & Integrity 📖 Seen in: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude — Complet...

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