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plausible

adj.
US //ˈpɫɔzəbəɫ// UK //plˈɔːzəbəl// plau·si·ble
  1. 1 believable or reasonable (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing an explanation or story that sounds like it could be true.

    seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true.

    Example

    The police thought his story was plausible because it matched the security footage.

    Example

    While the theory is certainly plausible, the research team requires more empirical data before they can confirm the results with absolute certainty.
  2. 2 persuasive but possibly deceptive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    describing someone who speaks well and sounds honest, but might be trying to trick you.

    superficially pleasing or persuasive; often used to describe a person or argument that sounds right but lacks depth or honesty.

    Example

    He was a plausible salesman, but I still didn't trust his promises.

    Example

    The candidate offered a plausible defense of his actions, yet critics remained wary of his tendency to omit crucial details from the narrative.
    • glib
    • specious
    • smooth talking
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  1. 3 praiseworthy (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    describing something that deserves to be clapped for or praised.

    worthy of being applauded or commended; ready for approval.

    Example

    The young scholar's efforts were deemed plausible by the elders of the village.

    Example

    In the seventeenth-century text, the author describes the general's conduct as plausible, meaning it was deserving of public praise.
Origin

From Latin plausibilis (“deserving applause, praiseworthy, acceptable, pleasing”), from the participle stem of plaudere (“to applaud”).

Word family

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