Plausible
The missing parcel could be at the wrong door, and that explanation fits the delivery photo. It sounds believable, but nobody has checked the neighbour’s porch yet.
Learn This WordMeaning
Seeming reasonable, believable, or likely to be true, though not necessarily proven.
Memory trick
Plausible shares a root with applause. Picture an explanation that gets an approving nod because it sounds believable, while remembering that approval is not proof.
Examples
A delayed delivery is a plausible explanation for the empty shelves, but the manager has not confirmed it.
The study offers a plausible mechanism linking poor sleep to reduced concentration.
Her account sounded plausible until the ticket showed that she had been in another city.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin plausibilis "deserving applause, acceptable," from plaudere "to applaud." Its sense developed from winning approval to appearing believable.
Usage Notes
Common with explanation, account, hypothesis, scenario, and argument. In GMAT critical reasoning, a plausible explanation may fit the facts without being the only explanation or a demonstrated cause.
Real-life contexts
Suggest an explanation: "That sounds plausible, but can we check the dates?"
Discuss options: "We need a plausible alternative to the current plan."
Evaluate a claim: "The story is plausible, not yet verified."
Common Mistakes
Plausible does not mean proven, certain, or necessarily probable. A plausible claim sounds believable; evidence is still needed to establish whether it is true. Plausibility is the noun.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
intermediate