Adhere vs. Cohere — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 9, 2024
Adhere involves sticking or holding fast to a surface or substance, while cohere refers to elements sticking together internally.
Difference Between Adhere and Cohere
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adhere is often used to describe the action or tendency of objects or substances to stick to one another or to surfaces, implying a physical or metaphorical attachment. For example, glue is designed to adhere to surfaces, creating a bond. On the other hand, cohere relates to the internal unity or consistency within a structure, group, or system. It denotes how different parts of a whole stick together, maintaining integrity and coherence. For instance, a well-written essay coheres when its ideas and paragraphs connect logically and fluidly.
The concept of adherence is crucial in various fields, from materials science to philosophy. In materials science, understanding how substances adhere to each other helps in the development of adhesives and coatings. In philosophy or ethics, adherence to principles guides moral conduct. Whereas cohesiveness is fundamental in both physical and abstract contexts, such as in the formation of cohesive materials or in the unity of a group or argument. Cohesion ensures that components function as a unified whole, enhancing strength, stability, or clarity.
Adherence emphasizes the importance of attachment or fidelity to something external, whether it be a physical object, a set of rules, or an ideology. This implies a relationship of dependence or support, where the adhering body relies on another for stability or guidance. In contrast, coherence focuses on the intrinsic connections that make a system or argument sound and unified. It highlights the internal consistency and logical organization that make a complex entity understandable or effective.
Furthermore, the term "adhere" is versatile, extending its application to social and cultural contexts, where individuals or groups may adhere to traditions, customs, or belief systems. This reflects a commitment or loyalty to a set of norms or values. Conversely, "cohere" often pertains to the logical or natural compatibility of ideas, principles, or components, suggesting that the elements of a cohesive group or system are inherently suited to form a unified whole.
In summary, while adhere and cohere both involve forms of sticking or bonding, adhere focuses on external attachment or compliance, and cohere emphasizes internal unity and consistency. These concepts play significant roles across disciplines, affecting how we understand materials, construct arguments, and maintain social and cultural structures.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To stick fast to a surface or substance; to follow or obey
To stick together; to be united or integrated
Context of Use
Materials sticking to surfaces; following rules or principles
Elements within a system or group sticking together
Implication
External attachment or fidelity
Internal consistency and unity
Example Application
Adhesives, ethical adherence
Cohesive materials, cohesive arguments
Example Sentence
"The sticker adheres to the glass."
"The team's ideas cohere well."
Compare with Definitions
Adhere
To stick fast to a surface or substance.
The label adheres to the bottle even when wet.
Cohere
To stick together in a mass.
The particles cohere to form a solid.
Adhere
To follow or abide by.
Members are expected to adhere to the club's rules.
Cohere
To exhibit cohesion in a group.
The team coheres under pressure, displaying great teamwork.
Adhere
To be compatible or consistent with.
The findings adhere to the established theory.
Cohere
To be united as parts of a whole.
The chapters of the book cohere into a compelling narrative.
Adhere
To hold firmly to an opinion or belief.
He adheres to his principles in all situations.
Cohere
To combine to form a unified whole.
The various flavors cohere to create a delicious dish.
Adhere
To be devoted or loyal.
She adheres to her cultural traditions.
Cohere
To be logically consistent.
Her arguments cohere despite the complex subject matter.
Adhere
To stick fast to something; stay attached
Glue makes the wallpaper adhere to the wall.
Cohere
Cohere is a Canadian startup that provides natural language processing models that help companies improve human-machine interactions. Cohere was founded in 2019 by Aidan Gomez, Ivan Zhang, and Nick Frosst.
Adhere
To remain devoted to or be in support of something
Adhered to her beliefs.
Cohere
To stick or hold together in a mass that resists separation.
Adhere
To carry out a plan, scheme, or operation without deviation
We will adhere to our plan.
Cohere
To have internal elements or parts logically connected so that aesthetic consistency results
"The movie as a whole failed to cohere" (Robert Brustein).
Adhere
To cause to adhere; make stick.
Cohere
To cause to form a united, orderly, and aesthetically consistent whole.
Adhere
(intransitive) To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united.
Wax adhered to his finger
Cohere
(intransitive) To stick together physically, by adhesion.
Separate molecules will cohere because of electromagnetic force.
Adhere
To be attached or devoted by personal union, in belief, on principle, etc.
Cohere
To be consistent as part of a group, or by common purpose.
Members of the party would cohere in the message they were sending.
Adhere
To be consistent or coherent; to be in accordance; to agree.
Cohere
To be consistent as part of a group, or by common purpose.
This division suggests that Khamenei is not playing his usual role of cohering the regime during a crisis.
Adhere
To affirm a judgment.
Cohere
To stick together; to cleave; to be united; to hold fast, as parts of the same mass.
Neither knows he . . . how the solid parts of the body are united or cohere together.
Adhere
To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united; as, wax to the finger; the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.
Cohere
To be united or connected together in subordination to one purpose; to follow naturally and logically, as the parts of a discourse, or as arguments in a train of reasoning; to be logically consistent.
They have been inserted where they best seemed to cohere.
Adhere
To hold, be attached, or devoted; to remain fixed, either by personal union or conformity of faith, principle, or opinion; as, men adhere to a party, a cause, a leader, a church.
Cohere
To suit; to agree; to fit.
Had time cohered with place, or place with wishing.
Adhere
To be consistent or coherent; to be in accordance; to agree.
Cohere
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;
The dress clings to her body
The label stuck to the box
The sushi rice grains cohere
Adhere
Be compatible or in accordance with;
You must adhere to the rules
Cohere
Cause to form a united, orderly, and aethestically consistent whole;
Religion can cohere social groups
Adhere
Follow through or carry out a plan without deviation;
They adhered to their plan
Cohere
Have internal elements or parts logically connected so that aesthetic consistency results;
The principles by which societies cohere
Adhere
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;
The dress clings to her body
The label stuck to the box
The sushi rice grains cohere
Adhere
Be a devoted follower or supporter;
The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
She sticks to her principles
Adhere
Be loyal to;
She stood by her husband in times of trouble
The friends stuck together through the war
Adhere
Stick to firmly;
Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to adhere to something?
It means to stick fast to it or to follow or abide by it closely.
Can adhere be used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, it can metaphorically mean to follow rules or principles closely.
How does adherence relate to social or cultural contexts?
It involves commitment or loyalty to traditions, customs, or belief systems.
What does cohere mean in a physical sense?
In a physical sense, it means elements sticking together to form a mass.
How does adherence affect material science?
Understanding how materials adhere to each other is crucial for developing effective adhesives and coatings.
Can cohere be applied to ideas or arguments?
Yes, when ideas or arguments are logically consistent and connected, they are said to cohere.
What does internal consistency mean in the context of cohere?
It refers to the logical and natural compatibility of elements within a system, ensuring unity.
Can an object adhere to itself?
Typically, adherence involves two separate entities, but in a broad sense, components of an object can adhere to each other.
Is adherence always physical?
No, it can also refer to the metaphorical attachment to beliefs, principles, or guidelines.
Is cohesiveness important in team dynamics?
Yes, team cohesiveness ensures that members work well together, enhancing overall performance.
Are there materials that both adhere and cohere?
Yes, some materials can adhere to other surfaces while also cohering internally, like certain types of glue or cement.
Can a philosophy or ideology cohere?
Yes, if its principles and ideas are logically consistent and interconnected, it is considered to cohere.
Does cohering imply a stronger bond than adhering?
Not necessarily stronger, but cohering implies internal unity, while adhering often involves an external attachment.
How do adherence and cohesiveness contribute to a structured argument?
Adherence to logical principles and the internal cohesiveness of ideas make an argument structured and compelling.
Can a society adhere to its laws?
Yes, when individuals or groups in a society follow or abide by its laws, the society is said to adhere to them.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
