kohäsiv

Kohäsiv is a German term used as an adjective and, occasionally, as a noun to denote properties or elements that bind parts into a unified whole. The concept is employed across disciplines, particularly in linguistics, materials science, and the social sciences, to describe something that holds together or integrates components.

In linguistics, kohäsiv describes how linguistic elements connect parts of a text or discourse. Text kohäsion encompasses devices such as reference (pronouns and demonstratives), substitution, ellipsis, conjunctions, and lexical cohesion (repetition and collocation) that help create coherence.

In materials science and physics, kohäsiv refers to the internal bonding that holds a material together. Kohäsionskräfte (cohesive forces) act between molecules, atoms, or particles and determine properties such as strength and toughness. Disturbances in kohäsivität can lead to fracture and failure, and are contrasted with adhesive forces acting at interfaces between different materials.

In sociology and organizational studies, kohäsiv denotes social cohesion: the bonds that sustain members of a group or society, including shared values, norms, trust, and networks. High kohäsion is linked to cooperative behavior and resilience, while excessive cohesion can risk conformity and suppression of dissent.

Etymology: The term derives from Kohäsion in German, from Latin cohaesio “to hold together” (via French cohésion), with kohäsiv used as an adjective to describe cohesive properties.