Believeable: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
believeable – Definition and Part of Speech
The term believeable (often misspelled as “believable”) serves primarily as an adjective. It describes something that appears realistic or credible enough for a person to accept it as true. This word is commonly used in various contexts to convey the authenticity or plausibility of narratives, statements, or events.
Core Synonyms
Below are some of the primary synonyms for believeable, along with their definitions, example sentences, and typical styles of usage.
Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
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Credible | Implies reliability or trustworthiness | “The witness’s account was highly credible.” | Formal/Academic |
Convincing | Emphasizes the ability to persuade someone | “Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed.” | Informal/Formal |
Plausible | Suggests something reasonable but not verified | “The theory is plausible, yet requires further study.” | Academic/Formal |
Realistic | Highlights resemblance to reality | “He painted a realistic portrait of the landscape.” | Creative/Informal |
Authentic | Refers to genuine or true origin | “Her story felt authentic and heartfelt.” | Literary/Creative |
Usage Notes
Each synonym can be used in various contexts, and knowing which one to choose depends on the nuance you wish to convey:
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Credible: Best used in formal situations where trustworthiness is emphasized. Ideal for academic papers or business reports.
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Example: In a scientific paper, describing evidence as “credible” implies that it can be trusted due to its accuracy and reliability.
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Convincing: Suitable for both spoken and written language when persuasion is key. Can appear in business presentations or everyday discussions.
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Example: A lawyer might describe an argument as convincing if it effectively persuades the jury of a particular point.
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Plausible: Often used in academic or theoretical contexts where possibilities are being considered rather than asserted as facts.
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Example: In philosophy, a hypothesis may be called plausible if it is logically coherent and reasonable without definitive proof.
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Realistic: Frequently used in creative writing to describe scenarios that reflect real-life situations closely. Also useful in informal conversations about expectations or plans.
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Example: An author might aim for realism in dialogue to make characters more believable to readers.
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Authentic: Common in literature and art critiques when discussing genuine expression, emotions, or origins of an artifact.
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Example: In a critique of a novel, the authenticity of cultural depictions may be highlighted to emphasize their faithfulness to real-world contexts.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is confusing “believeable” with “believable.” Although often used interchangeably in casual conversation, “believable” is the correct spelling and form. Additionally, it’s important not to use these synonyms interchangeably without considering context—each carries distinct connotations that might not fit every situation.
Final Recap
To expand your vocabulary around believeable (or more accurately, “believable”), familiarize yourself with synonyms such as credible, convincing, plausible, realistic, and authentic. Each offers a nuanced way to express the concept of believability depending on context—whether you’re writing an academic paper, giving a business presentation, engaging in casual conversation, or crafting creative works. Practicing their use will enrich your language skills and improve communication efficacy across various settings. Experiment by crafting sentences with each synonym and discussing them in conversation to master these variations in meaning.