Believability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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believability

[bɪˌliːvəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in storytelling

The quality of being convincing or trustworthy in a narrative.

Synonyms

authenticity, credibility, plausibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believability	Refers to the degree to which something can be accepted as true or real. It is often used in assessing the overall perception of trustworthiness in narratives, stories, or character portrayals. The believability of the plot was crucial for the movie's success. Her acting added a lot of believability to the character.
credibility	Relates to the trustworthiness or reliability of a source, person, or piece of information. This term is commonly used in journalism, legal settings, and personal references. The journalist's credibility was questioned after the article contained false information. Her long experience in the field gives her opinions extra credibility.
plausibility	Denotes the likelihood or reasonableness of something. It is often used to evaluate theories, arguments, or explanations. The scientist provided a detailed argument to support the plausibility of his hypothesis. The story had elements that strained plausibility, making it less convincing.
authenticity	Focuses on the genuineness and originality of something. It is often used when discussing cultural artefacts, documents, and personal behavior. The museum took extra steps to verify the authenticity of the ancient manuscript. People appreciate his authenticity; he always stays true to himself.

Examples of usage

It is important for a writer to establish believability in their characters.
The believability of the plot can make or break a story.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in research

The extent to which a research study's findings are credible and trustworthy.

Synonyms

reliability, trustworthiness, validity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believability	Appropriate for expressing how convincing or plausible something seems, often used in storytelling, media, and information evaluation. The believability of the characters made the movie much more enjoyable Her account of the events lacked believability due to inconsistencies
reliability	Refers to the consistency and dependability of something, often used in contexts such as performance, products, and studies. The reliability of the new software was tested thoroughly before release You can count on the reliability of this car for long trips
validity	Often used in the context of arguments, studies, or tests to describe whether something is logically sound and accurate. The validity of the experiment's results was confirmed through peer review It's important to verify the validity of the data before drawing conclusions
trustworthiness	Describes how worthy of trust someone or something is, generally used in interpersonal relationships or character assessments. Her trustworthiness made her the best choice for the job Building trustworthiness takes time but can be ruined in an instant

Examples of usage

The believability of the data is crucial for the validity of the study.
Researchers need to ensure the believability of their results through rigorous methodology.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies reveal that people are more likely to find information believable if it aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, a concept known as confirmation bias.
Believability plays a key role in persuasion; messages presented with emotional appeal tend to be perceived as more believable.

Literature

In storytelling, characters and plotlines with detailed backgrounds often enhance believability, allowing readers to connect emotionally.
The concept of suspension of disbelief is crucial in literature and film; it encourages audiences to accept the fictional world as believable for the duration of their experience.

Media Studies

In journalism, believability is paramount; credible sources and thorough fact-checking contribute to the perceived truthfulness of news reports.
Social media poses challenges for believability, as misinformation can spread rapidly due to lack of validation of sources.

Pop Culture

Films often use special effects to enhance believability in fantasy or sci-fi genres, making the impossible seem real to viewers.
The rise of documentary film styles in cinema aims to boost believability, making audiences feel they are witnessing real events.

Origin of 'believability'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from 'believe,' which has roots in Old English and Germanic languages, meaning to hold something as true.
The suffix '-ability' indicates the quality of being able to do something, so believability literally refers to the quality of being believable.

The word 'believability' originated from the verb 'believe' in the mid-19th century. It is a combination of 'believe' and the suffix '-ability', which denotes the quality or state of being. The concept of believability has been crucial in various fields such as literature, research, and media, where credibility and trustworthiness play a significant role in shaping narratives and findings.