johdonmukainen

Johdonmukainen is a Finnish adjective meaning consistent, coherent, or logical. It is used to describe reasoning, arguments, policies, or behavior that follows a clear, unbroken line and does not contradict itself. In rhetoric and analysis, johdonmukainen argumentti refers to a chain of reasoning with maintained internal coherence from premises to conclusion. The term is widely used in academic, journalistic, and everyday language to express that statements or actions align with a stated goal, principle, or previous statements.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from the noun johto, meaning guidance, leadership, or line, with the suffix -mainen/-mukainen that creates adjectives meaning “like” or “resembling.” The resulting meaning is that something follows a lead or a single coherent line. The corresponding noun is johdonmukaisuus, signifying coherence or consistency.

Usage and nuance: Johdonmukainen emphasizes internal consistency and alignment with established premises or objectives. It can describe logical arguments, consistent policy, or behavior that remains true to stated values. Its antonym is epäjohdonmukainen (inconsistent), and related terms include looginen (logical) and koherentti (coherent), though each carries its own nuance.

Examples: “Hänen argumenttinsa olivat johdonmukaisia ja perustuivat samoihin periaatteisiin.” “Kritiikki kohdistui siihen, että politiikka näytti epäjohdonmukaiselta aiempiin lupauksiin nähden.”