Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stick or hold together in a united mass: To have the parts or particles adhere to each other, forming a single, cohesive unit.
   • To be logically or aesthetically consistent: To have internal elements connected in a way that is orderly, unified, and makes sense as a whole.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The dry ingredients must cohere to form a dough. (The particles must stick together to create a unified mass.)
  • For an argument to be persuasive, its points must cohere. (The individual points must logically connect to form a consistent whole.)
  • The community cohered around a shared set of values. (The community held together or became united.)

Advanced Usage

• "to cohere with": To be consistent or compatible with something else.
  • His personal philosophy does not cohere with the company's official stance. (His beliefs are not logically consistent with the company's position.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coherence (n): The quality of being logical, consistent, and forming a unified whole.
  • The essay lacked coherence, jumping from one idea to another.
• Coherent (adj): Logical, consistent, and clear; sticking together.
  • She gave a coherent explanation of the complex process.
• Cohesion (n): The action or state of sticking together; unity.
  • Social cohesion is important for a stable society.

Synonyms

• Adhere: To stick firmly to a surface or substance.
• Bind: To tie or fasten tightly together.
• Hold together: To remain united or intact.
• Unify: To make or become a single unit.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the exact word "cohere".)

Verb

1. have internal elements or parts logically connected so that aesthetic consistency results
   • the principles by which societies cohere
2. cause to form a united, orderly, and aesthetically consistent whole
   • Religion can cohere social groups
3. come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
   • The dress clings to her body
   • The label stuck to the box
   • The sushi rice grains cohere