Cohesion Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kiˈhoʊʒən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Examples

• The team’s cohesion was key to their success in the tournament.
• The company’s cohesion and teamwork helped them respond to the crisis.

Synonyms

• Unity
• solidarity

Antonyms

• Fragmentation
• Disunity

Additional Information

Cohesion is a fundamental aspect of many social and organizational structures, as it enables individuals to work together effectively towards a common goal. In a social context, cohesion can be achieved through shared values, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. In an organizational context, cohesion can be encouraged through teamwork, communication, and a clear sense of purpose.

Cohesion is often contrasted with disunity or fragmentation, which can lead to conflict, inefficiency, and poor performance. It is a critical component of many successful teams and organizations, and is essential for achieving common goals and objectives.

Etymology

The word “cohesion” has its roots in the Latin word “cohaesio,” meaning “adhesion” or “union.” It has been in use in the English language since the 15th century, with its meaning evolving over time to encompass both physical and social contexts.

Usage Notes

Cohesion is often used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb, meaning “to unite or bring together.” In formal writing and academic contexts, cohesion is often used interchangeably with related terms such as unity, solidarity, and integration.

Cultural References

Cohesion has been referenced in popular culture in various forms, including music, literature, and film. In the context of music, cohesion is often used to describe the harmonious blending of different instruments or vocal parts. In literature, cohesion is used to describe the unity of a narrative or a character’s inner world.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Cohesion is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “to hold together” or “to come together,” implying a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to cohesion include unity, solidarity, integration, cohesion, and consensus.

Collocations

Cohesion is often collocated with words such as team, organization, community, and society, implying a sense of shared identity and shared purpose.

Frequency of Use

Cohesion is a relatively common term in modern language, with a frequency of use that is comparable to other terms such as unity and solidarity.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of cohesion include cohesin, coesiation, and cohesonal.