ENGLISH
REFERENCE

believable

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //bəˈɫivəbəɫ// UK //bɪlˈiːvəbəl// be·liev·able

adj. seeming like it could be true or real. You use this to describe a story, an excuse, or a character that you can trust or imagine actually happening.

adj. capable of being accepted as true, real, or credible. Often used to evaluate the quality of a narrative or the sincerity of a person's claims.


SIMPLE

The actor gives a very believable performance.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness provided a believable account of the events, which helped the jury reach a quick decision.

COMPLEX

While the plot of the novel is somewhat far-fetched, the protagonist's emotional journey remains entirely believable due to the author's nuanced understanding of human grief.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English bilevable, beleevable, equivalent to believe + -able.

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'seem', 'sound', or 'look'.

Pitfall

The story was very believeable.The story was very believable.The silent 'e' at the end of 'believe' is dropped before adding the suffix '-able'.

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