These words all refer to close similarity in relationship between separate things. Coincide , correspond and tally are related in their application to two or more things that conform to one another or share certain characteristics. Coincide means to conform exactly ?to have identical elements.

• The birthdays of twins usually coincide ; It is fortunate when a young man’s career goals and the wishes of his parents for him coincide .

To correspond is to have comparable elements. A national dish may correspond to one in the cuisine of another culture; evidence given in court should correspond with the facts in the case. Tally means to correspond in the sense of being consistent with.

• The calculations of two scientists working on the same problem tallied exactly; Saying that the earth is flat does not tally with scientific observations.

Jibe is a colloquial term which, like tally , emphasizes the accordance or consistency of facts, elements, relations, etc.: His version of the accident should jibe with that of the other witnesses. Jibe thus points to fitting into an overall consistent pattern rather than a point-by-point correspondence between two separate things.

Agree is the most general word in this list, and in this context stresses the sharing of like characteristics, attitudes or elements. It can be used in place of each of the other words in this list in many construction.

• His version of the accident should agree (jibe , correspond ) with that of the other witnesses; plans agree (or coincide ); figures agree (or tally ).

Agree can indicate any degree of likeness, from a slight similarity to virtual identity.