Cohesiveness vs. Cohesion: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Cohesiveness" pertains to the quality of being united and integrated, while "Cohesion" refers to the action or fact of forming a united whole.
Key Differences
Cohesiveness and Cohesion both stem from the root word "cohere" which means to stick together. While both words relate to unity and connection, they have nuanced differences in usage. Cohesiveness generally describes the quality or state of things being closely united or integrated. Cohesion, on the other hand, often points to the action or process that brings about this unity.
In many contexts, especially in group dynamics, Cohesiveness indicates the degree to which members of a group feel connected and motivated to be a part of that group. It may involve factors like shared goals, trust, and interpersonal bonds. Conversely, Cohesion in such contexts refers to the observable unity of the group, how well its members work together and the absence of friction.
Linguistically, Cohesiveness doesn't come up as frequently. But Cohesion is a term used in linguistics and literature to describe how sentences and parts of a text connect to each other. Here, cohesion might refer to how different sentences or paragraphs link through repeated words or ideas.
If one were to use an analogy, think of Cohesiveness as the adhesive quality of glue and Cohesion as the act of the glue binding things together. One is a characteristic, and the other is the manifestation of that characteristic.
In essence, while Cohesiveness is about the inherent quality of unity and integration, Cohesion is about the action or fact of forming a united whole, whether it's in groups, materials, or textual contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Quality of being united and integrated.
Action or fact of forming a united whole.
Common Contexts
Group dynamics, unity in characteristics.
Linguistics, formation of united structures/groups.
Nature
Descriptive, indicates a state or quality.
Action-oriented, indicates a process.
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Contextual Examples
"Team cohesiveness", "molecular cohesiveness".
"Textual cohesion", "molecular cohesion".
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Cohesiveness and Cohesion Definitions
Cohesiveness
The characteristic of sticking or holding together
The cohesiveness of the adhesive was remarkable.
Cohesion
Unity in a group or organization
The army moved with impeccable cohesion.
Cohesiveness
The quality of being tightly integrated
The cohesiveness of the team led to its success.
Cohesion
Force that holds particles or elements together
Water droplets exhibit cohesion.
Cohesiveness
A state of forming a united whole
The cohesiveness of the materials ensured the structure's stability.
Cohesion
The act of forming a united whole
The cohesion of the team members was noticeable.
Cohesiveness
Bonding or uniting force within a group or structure
Their shared goals increased their cohesiveness.
Cohesion
Connection between parts of a text or conversation
The essay lacked cohesion between its paragraphs.
Cohesiveness
Degree to which elements remain together
The cohesiveness of the group was evident in their unity.
Cohesion
Interconnection of elements in a structure
The cohesion of the story's plot intrigued readers.
Cohesiveness
The act, process, or condition of cohering
Exhibited strong cohesion in the family unit.
Cohesion
The act, process, or condition of cohering
Exhibited strong cohesion in the family unit.
Cohesiveness
(Physics) The intermolecular attraction by which the elements of a body are held together.
Cohesion
(Physics) The intermolecular attraction by which the elements of a body are held together.
Cohesiveness
(Botany) The congenital union of parts of the same kind, such as a calyx of five united sepals.
Cohesion
(Botany) The congenital union of parts of the same kind, such as a calyx of five united sepals.
Cohesiveness
The state of being cohesive; cohesion
Cohesion
State of cohering, or of working together.
Unit cohesion is important in the military.
Cohesiveness
The state of cohering or sticking together
Cohesion
Various intermolecular forces that hold solids and liquids together.
Cohesiveness
The property of being cohesive and sticky
Cohesion
(biology) Growing together of normally distinct parts of a plant.
Cohesion
(software engineering) Degree to which functionally related elements in a system belong together.
Cohesion
(linguistics) Grammatical or lexical relationship between different parts of the same text.
Cohesion
The act or state of sticking together; close union.
Cohesion
That from of attraction by which the particles of a body are united throughout the mass, whether like or unlike; - distinguished from adhesion, which unites bodies by their adjacent surfaces.
Solids and fluids differ in the degree of cohesion, which, being increased, turns a fluid into a solid.
Cohesion
Logical agreement and dependence; as, the cohesion of ideas.
Cohesion
The state of cohering or sticking together
Cohesion
(botany) the process in some plants of parts growing together that are usually separate (such as petals)
Cohesion
(physics) the intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or liquid
FAQs
Can Cohesiveness indicate emotional bonds?
Yes, especially in group dynamics or relationships.
Do Cohesiveness and Cohesion mean the same?
They both relate to unity, but cohesiveness is about quality, while cohesion is about the action or fact of uniting.
Can Cohesiveness be used in a linguistic context?
Less commonly, but cohesion is more prevalent in linguistic contexts.
Does Cohesion always refer to groups of people?
No, it can refer to materials, texts, or any united structure.
Can Cohesion be used to describe a book's plot?
Yes, when indicating how well the plot elements connect.
Does Cohesion pertain to the interconnection of ideas?
Yes, like in a cohesive text or speech.
How is Cohesiveness observed in teams?
Through shared goals, trust, and interpersonal bonds.
How do Cohesiveness and Cohesion relate to "cohere"?
Both stem from "cohere", meaning to stick together.
Can a story lack Cohesion?
Yes, if its elements or ideas don't connect well.
Is Cohesion about action?
It's about the action or fact of forming a united whole.
Is Cohesiveness a characteristic?
Yes, it indicates the quality or state of being cohesive.
Does Cohesiveness relate to bonding?
Yes, it can indicate the bonding or uniting force within a group or structure.
Can cohesion refer to molecules?
Yes, like water molecules showing cohesion.
Is Cohesion a process or an outcome?
It can be both: the process of uniting and the outcome of being united.
Does Cohesiveness always lead to success?
Not always, but it often contributes to better unity and understanding.
Can materials exhibit Cohesiveness?
Yes, when they stick or hold together well.
Can Cohesion describe a strategy?
Yes, when indicating how well the strategy's parts integrate.
Is Cohesiveness tangible?
It's more of a qualitative trait, observed through unity and bonding.
Can an argument lack Cohesion?
Yes, if its points don't connect or support each other.
Is Cohesiveness always positive?
Generally, it's seen positively, indicating unity and integration.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
