plausible
PLAW-zih-bl
Plausible (adj) means seeming reasonable or believable, even if not proven true. Example: “His explanation for being late sounded plausible.”
adj
1
Seeming reasonable or believable, even if not proven true.
"His explanation for being late sounded plausible."
"Scientists proposed a plausible theory for the extinction event."
"The detective said the suspect's alibi was plausible, but he still wanted to check it."
How to use plausible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSounding like it could reasonably be true.
Common mistake
Plausible means "believable," not "proven" — a plausible explanation might still turn out to be wrong.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
plausible explanation
perfectly plausible
plausible deniability
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more plausible
- Superlative
- most plausible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His explanation for being late sounded _____.
Etymology
From Latin plausibilis, "deserving applause," from plaudere, "to applaud" — the sense shifted over time from "praiseworthy" to simply "believable."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for plausible
See all rhymes for plausible →Frequently asked questions
What does “plausible” mean?
The word “plausible” means seeming reasonable or believable, even if not proven true. In plain terms, sounding like it could reasonably be true.
How do you pronounce “plausible”?
“Plausible” is pronounced PLAW-zih-bl (/ˈplɑ.zɪ.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “plausible” in a sentence?
Here is “plausible” used in a sentence: “His explanation for being late sounded plausible.”
What part of speech is “plausible”?
“Plausible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “plausible” come from?
The word “plausible” comes from Latin. From Latin plausibilis, "deserving applause," from plaudere, "to applaud" — the sense shifted over time from "praiseworthy" to simply "believable.".
Is “plausible” a common word?
“Plausible” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between plausible and probable?
Plausible means something seems reasonable or believable on its face, even without proof, while probable suggests a higher likelihood based on evidence or odds. A plausible explanation might still turn out to be wrong, whereas probable implies stronger supporting evidence.
What is the difference between plausible and possible?
Possible simply means something could happen or be true, without judging how likely or reasonable it seems, while plausible adds the sense that the explanation sounds credible and fits with what is already known or expected.
Can plausible be used to describe a lie or excuse?
Yes, plausible is often used for excuses, stories, or deniability that sound convincing even if they are not necessarily true, as in "a plausible excuse" or "plausible deniability," where believability rather than proven fact is the point.
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