WordGarden.ioplausibility
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /plˌɔːzəbˈɪlɪti/
US
- /ˌplɔzɪˈbɪlɪti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of seeming likely, reasonable, or believable
Beyond the definition
Plausibility isn't about truth; it's about how believable something seems. A story about finding lost treasure might be very unlikely, but if it is told with enough detail, it can still seem believable. Think of a detective novel: the best mysteries are not always realistic, but they move in a way that feels plausible and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Plausible things seem reasonable on the surface, even if they later turn out to be false. A clever con artist relies on this, making lies sound like real opportunities. If someone offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, questioning how believable it is is a smart move. The word comes from the Latin plausibilis, meaning "worthy of applause," which suggests something easily accepted.
Plausibility refers to the quality of being believable or appearing reasonable, even if it isn't necessarily true. It's about how likely something seems to be, based on available evidence or common sense. A claim might lack factual support but still possess plausibility if it aligns with existing beliefs or is presented in a convincing manner.
For example, a politician might offer a plausible explanation for a controversial decision—one that sounds logical and justifiable, even if it's strategically crafted to deflect criticism. Or consider a fictional story: the plot of a science fiction novel might be far-fetched, but its internal consistency and detailed world-building can lend it plausibility.
Plausibility is often crucial in legal settings. A lawyer might argue that their client's version of events is plausible, even when the full facts are still being debated. It's also important in everyday communication: we assess the plausibility of what others tell us to decide whether or not to trust them.
The concept is closely related to credibility and probability, but it differs from both. Credibility focuses on the trustworthiness of a source, while probability deals with mathematical likelihood. Plausibility, however, centers on how readily something is accepted as reasonable—a subjective judgment based on perception and context. So, when you're evaluating an argument or story, ask yourself: does it have plausibility? Does it sound right, even if you can't definitively prove it?
Examples
- 1
Story
The story had enough plausibility that I kept listening.
- 2
Police investigation
Police questioned the plausibility of his explanation.
- 3
Personal account
Small details, like the bus times and street names, added plausibility to her account.
- 4
Evidence
The new evidence lends plausibility to the theory that the fire started in the kitchen.
- Patternlend plausibility to + idea
make it seem more likely to be true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Proposal
At first, the proposal had a certain plausibility, but the numbers did not support it.
- 6
First impression
The argument has surface plausibility, but it ignores several important facts.
- Phrasesurface plausibility
seeming believable at first, before closer checking
See also
Similar
- believability
- credibility
- reasonableness
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- implausibility
- certainty
Used with (collocations)
- the plausibility of a claim
- assess plausibility
- surface plausibility
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- plausibilitynoun
Forms
- plausibilitiespluralnoun