Plausible
Seeming right or reasonable; appearing to be true or probable.
adjectivePlausible
Seeming right or reasonable; appearing to be true or probable.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a detective presenting three explanations for a clue: one is flashy but unfounded, one is carefully supported by evidence, and the third actually fits all the facts. The second explanation sounds plausible because it could reasonably explain all the clues.
Sounds Like
PLAWS-uh-buhl
Looks Like
Looks like plausibility and plausibly; shares the same root plaus- as related forms.
Remember This
Plausible means it seems true or reasonable, not proven. It relates to plausibility; something can be plausible but still be false.
Other Forms
Connect With
credible, believable, feasible, tenable, conceivable, probable
Note
Do not confuse plausible with proven or certain. Plausible describes credibility or likelihood, and can be challenged by new evidence.
Study Deeper
- The explanation seemed plausible, but the investigators doubted it until they found more evidence.
- Her alibi was plausible enough to avoid immediate suspicion.
From Latin plausibilis 'worthy of applause', from plausus 'applause', from plaudere 'to applaud'.
Mnemonic: Plausible = Plaud-ibilis: worthy of applause. If an idea earns applause, it is plausible.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Credible
adjectiveCapable of being believed; believable or trustworthy enough to be accepted as true.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.