What English adjective derived from a compound of agō that means "to force," means "logical and convincing"?

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The adjective "cogent" indeed stems from the Latin verb "agō," which means "to drive" or "to force." In the case of "cogent," it combines with "co-" meaning "together" or "with," thus reflecting an argument or reasoning that is not just persuasive but also clearly laid out and compelling. This judicial sense of being both logical and convincing aligns well with how cogent arguments function—they present evidence and reasoning in such a way that it is difficult to refute them, making them essential in debates and discussions.

The characteristics of cogency imply clarity and a strong, supportive structure that drives the argument home. This is why the term is used specifically in contexts that value logical reasoning, such as law, philosophy, and critical thinking. The other choices, while related to logic and clarity, do not carry the same nuance of compelling forcefulness that "cogent" does.

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