What does cohesive mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kəˈhiːsɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Sticking or holding together firmly; having a strong tendency to unify or bond. In a broader sense, cohesive can also refer to a group or system that functions harmoniously and effectively as a whole.

Examples

• The team’s cohesive strategy led to their victory in the tournament.
• She applied a cohesive gel to her hair to keep it in place.

Synonyms

• Unifying
• Harmonious
• Consistent

Antonyms

• Disjointed
• Chaotic
• Unstable

Additional Information

Cohesive is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, including social groups, materials, and language. In linguistics, cohesive devices are elements that connect words, phrases, or clauses to create a unified and coherent text. In physics, cohesive forces refer to the attractive forces between molecules or particles that hold a substance together.

The concept of cohesiveness is also crucial in social sciences, particularly in sociology and psychology. A cohesive social group is characterized by strong social bonds, shared values, and a sense of community. Members of a cohesive group work together effectively, support one another, and share a common goal.

Moreover, cohesive can also be used to describe a person’s behavior or attitude. A cohesive individual is someone who can bring people together, build strong relationships, and create a sense of unity.

Eymology

The word cohesive comes from the Latin words “cohaerere,” meaning “to stick together,” and “haerere,” meaning “to stick.” Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings, including social cohesion, material cohesiveness, and linguistic coherence.

Usage Notes

When using the term cohesive, consider the context in which it is being used. In material science, cohesive may refer to the strength of a substance’s intermolecular forces. In social sciences, cohesive describes a group’s harmonious and effective functioning.

Cultural References

Cohesive has been used in various cultural contexts, including music, literature, and film. For example, the concept of cohesive is a recurring theme in the movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” where the characters form a cohesive unit despite their differences.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Cohesive unit
• Cohesive force
• Cohesive bond

Related Words or Phrases

• Unity
• Harmony
• Stability

Collocations

• cohesive group
• cohesive society
• cohesive material

Frequency of Use

Cohesive is a moderately used term, often appearing in academic, technical, and professional contexts. Its frequency of use may vary depending on the field or industry.

Common Misspellings

• cohesiv
• coheseve
• cohesien