The Latin verb haerēre has shown remarkable stick-to-itiveness in influencing the English lexicon, which is fitting for a word that means "to be closely attached; to stick." Among its descendants are adhere (literally meaning "to stick"), adhere’s relative adhesive (a word for sticky substances), inhere (meaning "to belong by nature or habit"), and even hesitate (which implies remaining stuck in place before taking action). In Latin, haerēre teamed up with the prefix co- to form cohaerēre, which means "to stick together." Cohaerēre is the ancestor of cohesive, a word borrowed into English in the early 18th century to describe something that sticks together literally (such as dough or mud) or figuratively (such as a society or sports team).
Examples of cohesive in a Sentence
Their tribe is a small but cohesive group.
Religion can be used as a cohesive social force.
Recent Examples on the WebForm a Circular Furniture Arrangement Achieve a cohesive look with a furniture arrangement that follows the contours of your curved furniture.—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2024 For a cohesive set, consider this three-piece backpack, lunchbox, and headphone pack that comes in nine colors and patterns.—Rachel Trujillo, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2024 When building a larger container that fits six plants, try using one strong focal plant, two wispy textured plants, and three of the same trailing plants for cohesive flow and interest.—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 8 Aug. 2024 For a cohesive, visually appealing facade, these elements should complement one another not compete.—Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cohesive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cohesive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin cohaesus, past participle of cohaerēre "to stick together, cohere" + -ive
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