BharatNotes Cogent
adjectiveUsage 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
Antonyms
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.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
Describes an argument that is clear, logical and convincing. It is a useful word for GS4 and Essay when appraising reasoning rather than conclusions, as in a cogent case for a policy. Note that it praises the structure of an argument, so it fits reasoning and not people or feelings, which is where it is commonly misapplied.
Don’t Confuse It With
Cogent means logically compelling and clearly reasoned. Persuasive means effective at convincing, which a weak argument can also be. Valid is a technical property of logical form. Sound, in logic, means valid with true premises, which is a stronger claim than cogent.
Hindi Meaning
तर्कसंगत (tarksangat) or ठोस (thos, solid).
Common Questions
- What does cogent mean?
- Clear, logical and convincing, said of an argument or line of reasoning.
- Is a cogent argument the same as a persuasive one?
- Not necessarily. Cogent describes the quality of the reasoning; persuasive describes its effect on an audience, which can be achieved by weak arguments too.
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