Skip to main content
cogent evidence

cogent evidence

5.7
Clear and strong information that convinces people it is true
  • noun
  • /ˈkoʊdʒənt ˈɛvɪdəns/
  • Formal
translation icon : pruebas contundentes
  • During the debate, he produced cogent evidence that convinced everyone of the theory's validity.

Examples

  • On the other hand, there is no cogent evidence to support opposing or contrasting views.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Future research that examines dependency attributes in a larger clinically obese sample may provide more cogent evidence that supports a link between obesity and greater interpersonal dependency.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Mr. Leonard provided cogent evidence in support of the broader need for alternative energy, but he did not attempt to defend this particular proposed location.

    Blog text (25)
  • The lawyer presented cogent evidence that clearly proved her client's innocence.

  • The detective uncovered cogent evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene.

Synonyms

evidence
vscogent evidence
1.8

Things that show something is true, like documents or photos

is specifically clear logical and strongly persuasive not just material showing truth
proof
vscogent evidence
2.5

Evidence that shows something is true

is strong logical persuasion rather than a final absolute demonstration
to support
vscogent evidence
572 2.1

Give facts or evidence that show a claim is true

is more forceful and convincing rather than simply supplying helpful facts
confirmation
vscogent evidence
150 2.0

Information that shows something is true

is logical and persuasive in presenting truth rather than merely showing it
smoking gun
vscogent evidence
  • Literature
39 5.3

Clear proof that someone did something wrong

is persuasive in many situations rather than only proving wrongdoing
strong case
vscogent evidence
30 3.9

An argument with good evidence and clear reasons that is likely to convince people

is a single clear logical item rather than an entire well supported argument
corroboration
vscogent evidence
25 8.5

Evidence that supports a statement, for example documents or witness testimony

is focused on being logically convincing rather than only confirming facts
direct evidence
vscogent evidence
  • Specialized
18 3.2

Proof that clearly shows a fact is true, such as an eyewitness report

is logical persuasion that may rely on reasoning rather than immediate proof
corroborating evidence
vscogent evidence
  • Formal
8 6.1

Something that supports and confirms an earlier statement or fact

is independently persuasive and logical rather than merely backing other material
key evidence
vscogent evidence
5 3.7

Important proof that helps decide a legal case or argument

is persuasive through clarity and logic rather than only being crucial
substantiation
vscogent evidence
  • Formal
4 7.9

Evidence that shows a claim or idea is true

is about being strongly persuasive by clear logic rather than the act of providing proof

Antonyms

55 6.5

Gives no clear decision or result

2 6.5

Not able to make someone believe or agree

How Convincing

cogent evidence
  • Formal
5.7
circumstantial evidence
  • Specialized
33 6.7

Surface Forms

Morphology

cogent + evidence

The meaning 'evidence that is clear, logical, and persuasive' is directly and compositionally derived from combining 'cogent' (clear, convincing) with 'evidence' (material that supports a claim). This is a straightforward adjective+noun combination following normal English composition patterns and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Cogent evidence comes from an old word for cogent that meant 'to drive things together', so imagine pieces of evidence pushed close until they form a clear, strong picture. That's why cogent evidence means evidence that is clear and powerful enough to 'convince' people.