Plausible
/ˈplɔːzəbəl/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Plausible describes something that appears to be true or possible based on what we know. It is not certain or proven, but it makes sense and can be accepted as a good explanation or idea.
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See It in Action
Reasonable and believable explanation or idea
- •Her excuse for being late was plausible, so the teacher believed her.
- •The scientist gave a plausible answer to why the experiment failed.
- •It is plausible that the weather will improve by tomorrow.
Something that could be true or possible in a situation
- •It seems plausible that they will finish the project on time.
- •The story he told was plausible, but we still need more evidence.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "plausible" like "possible," but with a stronger feeling that it could really happen or be true.
- ✓Picture a story that sounds real and makes sense, even if you don’t have full proof yet.
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when someone gives a good reason for something, and you almost believe it.
- ✓Sounds like "clause-able" → imagine a legal clause (rule) that looks correct and can be accepted.
- ✓Think about a detective story where a suspect has a plausible explanation for being at the scene.
- ✓NOT like "impossible" (cannot happen), plausible means it can happen or be true.
- ✓NOT like "certain" (100% sure), plausible means likely but not guaranteed.
- ✓NOT like "true" (proven fact), plausible is more like believable or reasonable.
Try Other Words
- •Believable: something that can be believed (Use when you want to say it is easy to accept as true)
- •Reasonable: fair and sensible (Use when something makes sense and is logical)
- •Likely: probably true or will happen (Use when something has a good chance to be true or happen)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "plaus-" (from Latin "plausibilis" meaning "deserving applause, credible") + "-ible" (suffix meaning "able to be")
- •Etymology: From Latin "plausibilis," meaning something worthy of applause or approval because it sounds right
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1500s to mean credible or believable
- •Modern usage: Used to describe ideas, explanations, or stories that seem reasonable and believable but are not proven
Reflect & Connect
•When do you decide that an explanation is plausible instead of just possible?
•How can understanding what makes an idea plausible help you in everyday decisions or learning?
Fill in the blanks
1.The detective found a plausible reason for the suspect’s ___ at the crime scene.
2.Her story sounded plausible because it had many ___ that matched the facts.
3.Unlike a wild guess, a plausible idea is based on ___ or good reasons.
4.It is plausible ___ the team will win the game if they keep practicing hard.
5.When someone gives a plausible explanation, people usually ___ to believe it.
6.A plausible excuse is one that sounds ___ and can explain why something happened.
7.If an idea is not supported by facts, it is not considered plausible but just ___ .