Believable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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believable

[bɪˈliːvəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in storytelling

Capable of being believed; credible or plausible.

Synonyms

convincing, credible, credible, plausible, trustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believable	Appropriate for general use when describing something that seems real or true. Her explanation was believable The story he told was quite believable
credible	Used when something or someone is worthy of being believed or trusted, typically formal or more serious contexts. The witness provided credible testimony The source is credible
plausible	Used when something sounds reasonable or realistic but not necessarily true; often implies consideration of possibilities. His excuse is plausible That theory seems plausible
convincing	Used when talking about something that has persuaded you or others to believe it; often used in contexts where persuasion was required. She gave a convincing argument The presentation was very convincing
trustworthy	Used to describe someone or something that can be relied on as honest or truthful; generally applies to persons or sources. She is a trustworthy friend The data is from a trustworthy source

Examples of usage

The plot of the movie was so believable that I was completely engrossed in the story.
Her performance was so believable that it brought tears to the eyes of the audience.
The witness gave a believable account of the incident, which helped the police solve the case.
The special effects in the movie were incredibly believable, making the audience feel like they were part of the action.
A good actor can make even the most unbelievable story seem believable through their performance.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy.

Synonyms

convincing, credible, dependable, reliable, trustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believable	Appropriate for situations where something can be accepted as true or reasonable. Her excuse was believable The story seemed believable given the circumstances
trustworthy	Describes someone who is worthy of trust because they are honest, responsible, and reliable. This term emphasizes personal integrity. He is a trustworthy manager You should give the task to someone trustworthy
reliable	Similar to dependable, it is often used to describe someone or something that can be consistently trusted to do what is expected. She is a reliable friend The internet connection here is very reliable
dependable	Appropriate for describing someone or something that consistently performs well and can be relied upon. He is a dependable employee You need a dependable car for long trips
credible	Applied when referring to someone or something that can be trusted or believed because they are honest and real. She is a credible source of information The report appeared credible
convincing	Used when something is persuasive enough to make you believe it is true. The lawyer's argument was convincing His speech was so convincing that everyone agreed with him

Examples of usage

His explanation seemed believable, and we trusted him to lead the team.
The company's track record is impeccable, making them a believable partner for future projects.
She has a believable aura of sincerity that makes people naturally trust her.
The evidence presented in court was strong and believable, leading to a conviction.
In order to be a successful leader, you need to be believable and inspire trust in your team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Humans are wired to judge credibility quickly, often relying on body language and tone of voice to discern believability.
People tend to trust stories that align with their own experiences, making personal relevance a key factor in what is considered believable.
Cognitive biases can affect our perception of believability, leading us to challenge or accept information based on our preexisting beliefs.

Literature

In storytelling, a character's believability hinges on their motivations, backstory, and consistency throughout the narrative.
Writers often craft scenarios that enhance the believability of their plots by using realistic dialogue and settings.
The concept of 'suspension of disbelief' is crucial in literature, where readers accept implausible elements to engage with the story.

Media and Communication

In journalism, the believability of a news story is crucial; trusted sources and fact-checking are essential to maintain credibility.
Fake news exploits the concept of believability, often using persuasive language and familiar formats to mislead audiences.
Social media has transformed how we assess believability, with individuals and algorithms influencing which narratives gain traction.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows often utilize scenarios designed to create a perception of believability, while intentionally blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
In cinema, a poorly executed plot twist can seriously undermine a movie's believability, resulting in viewer disengagement.
Celebrities often shape public opinion, and their believability can determine whether people follow their endorsements or ideas.

Origin of 'believable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from 'believe,' which has roots in the Old English 'beleofan,' meaning to hold dear.
Its suffix '-able' indicates that something can be done or is possible, so 'believable' suggests it can be believed.
The term emerged in the English language around the late 14th century, reflecting a growing need to express trust in ideas.

The word 'believable' originated from the verb 'believe,' which dates back to the 12th century in Middle English. The addition of the suffix '-able' creates the adjective form, meaning 'capable of being believed.' Over time, 'believable' has become a common term in English language usage, particularly in the context of storytelling and credibility. It is a versatile word that conveys the idea of trustworthiness and credibility in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,559, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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