incoherently

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌɪn.kəʊˈhɪə.rənt.li/

KK: /ɪnˈkoʊhɪrəntli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that is not clear or logical, making it difficult to understand.

Example

He spoke incoherently after the accident, making it hard to follow what he was saying.

Conversation

Have you ever tried to listen to someone who was talking incoherently?

Yeah, it can be really confusing sometimes.

I was at a party last night, and one guy was rambling incoherently about his dreams.

That sounds frustrating! It’s hard to keep track of what they mean.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

irrationally

illogically

confusedly

Antonyms

logically

coherently

clearly

Root Explanation

Incoherently → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "coherent" (from Latin "cohaerentem", meaning sticking together or logically connected) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "incoherently" means in a manner that is not logically connected or does not stick together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'sticking together' ('coherent') — that's why incoherently means something that doesn't make sense or is not logically connected.

Visually Confused Words

uncoherently

inherently