plausible
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describing an explanation or story that sounds like it could be true.
seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true.
Simple“The police thought his story was plausible because it matched the security footage.”
In context“While the theory is certainly plausible, the research team requires more empirical data before they can confirm the results with absolute certainty.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“He was a plausible salesman, but I still didn't trust his promises.”
In context“The candidate offered a plausible defense of his actions, yet critics remained wary of his tendency to omit crucial details from the narrative.”
Synonymsglibspecioussmooth talking - 03 C2 Proficiency
describing something that deserves to be clapped for or praised.
worthy of being applauded or commended; ready for approval.
Simple“The young scholar's efforts were deemed plausible by the elders of the village.”
In context“In the seventeenth-century text, the author describes the general's conduct as plausible, meaning it was deserving of public praise.”
Synonymscommendablepraiseworthy
Usage experience plausible · plausible explanation
“What this research shows is that there is a plausible signal worth taking seriously, but not yet enough direct human evidence to draw a firm conclusion.”
From Latin plausibilis (“deserving applause, praiseworthy, acceptable, pleasing”), from the participle stem of plaudere (“to applaud”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.