plausible
/'plɔ:zəbl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Apparently reasonable, valid, or truthful: Describes something (like an argument, excuse, or story) that seems believable or acceptable on the surface, even if it might not be true upon closer examination.
- Given to or characterized by presenting specious arguments: Describes a person who is skilled at making statements that sound convincing but are deceptive or misleading.
Usage
- Use "plausible" to describe an idea, explanation, or person that appears credible or likely to be true based on initial impressions.
- It often carries a nuance of superficial credibility, implying that while something reasonable, its actual truth or validity is uncertain or questionable.
- Common collocations include: , , , , , .
Examples
- Adjective:
- The detective found the suspect's alibi to be plausible but needed further verification.
- She gave a plausible excuse for being late, so her boss didn't question her further.
- His theory about the cause of the accident is plausible, though not yet proven.
- He is a plausible liar, always able to make his stories sound convincing.
Advanced Usage
- "Plausible deniability": A situation where a person, typically a senior official, can deny knowledge of or responsibility for an action because there is no clear evidence to prove their involvement.
- The system was designed to give the CEO plausible deniability in case of a scandal.
Variants and Related Words
- Plausibility (noun): The quality of being plausible.
- The plausibility of his story made it hard to dismiss.
- Plausibly (adverb): In a plausible manner.
- He argued plausibly for the new policy.
Synonyms
- Believable: Capable of being believed.
- Credible: Able to be trusted; convincing.
- Convincing: Persuading someone to believe that something is true or real.
- Specious (often negative): Superficially plausible, but actually wrong or misleading.
Antonyms
- Implausible: Not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince.
- Unbelievable: Not able to be believed; unlikely to be true.
- Incredible: Impossible to believe.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Have a plausible ring to it": To sound believable or true.
- His explanation for the missing funds had a plausible ring to it, so the audit proceeded cautiously.
Adjective
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given to or characterized by presenting specious arguments
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a plausible liar
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apparently reasonable and valid, and truthful
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a plausible excuse
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