Plausible
Alibis that almost hold, excuses about traffic, and projections with suspiciously round numbers all earn this adjective when they sound true enough to pass.
Learn This WordMeaning
Seeming reasonable, believable, or probably true, even if not proven.
Memory trick
PLAUSIBLE earned applause (plaudere): an idea good enough that the crowd claps along.
Examples
The most plausible explanation is a delayed shipment, not theft.
She offered a plausible alibi that the investigators could not dismiss.
Of the three theories, the second seems most plausible given the data.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin plausibilis "worthy of applause," from plaudere "to applaud." Something plausible earns a hearing, like applause.
Usage Notes
In GMAT arguments, the plausible explanation is the one a strengthen/weaken question asks you to test, not accept blindly.
Real-life contexts
Use in reasoning: "That is plausible, but what evidence would confirm it?"
Use in work: "The plausible path is a phased rollout."
Use in writing: "Open with the most plausible cause, then rule it out."
Common Mistakes
Plausible means seeming true, not proven true. Keep the gap between “sounds right” and “is right.”
Master This Word
Add "plausible" to your vocabulary and practice with AI & smart flashcards!
Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
~60,500