ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plausible

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɫɔzəbəɫ// UK //plˈɔːzəbəl// plau·si·ble Archaic

adj. describing something that sounds like it could be true or could really happen. You use this when an explanation makes sense to you.

adj. seeming reasonable or probable; having an appearance of truth or credibility. Often used to evaluate the validity of an excuse, theory, or argument.


SIMPLE

The police thought his story sounded plausible.

CONTEXTUAL

The scientist provided a plausible explanation for the sudden change in temperature.

COMPLEX

While the theory is theoretically sound, it lacks the empirical evidence required to be considered a truly plausible alternative to the current model.

Antonyms
Origin

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

Usage

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

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