Understanding “Plausible”: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Plausible – Definition and Part of Speech
The word plausible is an adjective used to describe something that appears reasonable or credible based on available evidence or arguments, though it might not be true or guaranteed. It often suggests a convincing argument that could be accepted as potentially correct until proven otherwise. As an adjective, it doesn’t have separate forms like verbs do, but its meaning can vary slightly depending on context.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing the main synonyms of plausible, along with their brief definitions, example sentences, and appropriate style or register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credible | Conveys reliability and trustworthiness | “The witness provided a credible account of the event.” | Formal/Academic |
| Convincing | Suggests effectiveness in persuading | “Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed with her stance.” | Business/Formal |
| Reasonable | Implies soundness based on logic or fairness | “The explanation was reasonable, given the circumstances.” | Casual/Academic |
| Probable | Indicates a likelihood based on available evidence | “Given all factors, this outcome is probable.” | Academic/Technical |
| Believable | Suggests something that can be accepted as true | “His story seemed believable enough to merit further investigation.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Credible: Often used in formal settings such as academic writing or professional reports. It implies not only the possibility of truth but also trustworthiness and authority.
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Convincing: Suitable for business presentations or persuasive essays where the objective is to sway opinion through effective argumentation.
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Reasonable: Commonly used in both casual conversations and written discourse when discussing fairness, logic, or moderation. It carries a neutral tone that suggests balance.
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Probable: Best suited for contexts involving predictions, statistics, or scenarios based on likelihoods—such as scientific papers or risk assessments.
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Believable: Frequent in informal settings where the goal is to convey that something can be accepted without skepticism, often used in storytelling or casual discussions.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion arises with plausible and probable. While both imply likelihood, plausible focuses more on how convincing an argument might appear, whereas probable suggests a higher statistical chance of occurrence. Another potential mix-up is between credible and believable, where the former implies trustworthiness and authority while the latter simply means something can be accepted as true.
Final Recap
The key synonyms for plausible include credible, convincing, reasonable, probable, and believable. Each synonym has its unique nuance:
- Credible emphasizes trustworthiness.
- Convincing focuses on persuasive power.
- Reasonable denotes sound logic or fairness.
- Probable indicates likelihood.
- Believable suggests acceptability.
To enhance your vocabulary, practice using these synonyms in different contexts. Try writing sentences for each and see how the subtle differences affect meaning and tone. This exercise will help you choose the most precise word for your intended communication.