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Plausibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plausibility

[หŒplษ”หzษ™หˆbษชlษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in reasoning

The quality of seeming reasonable or probable; credibility.

Synonyms

believability, credibility, likelihood, reasonableness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plausibility

Use when discussing how something appears to be true or believable, often in contexts of theories, arguments, or explanations.

  • The plausibility of his theory was questioned by the scientific community
  • The detective was convinced by the plausibility of the suspect's alibi
credibility

Use in formal contexts to describe the trustworthiness or reliability of someone or something, often concerning sources of information or expert opinions.

  • The journalist's credibility was called into question after the false report
  • The expert's testimony added credibility to the case
believability

Use when referring to how convincing or likely something is, often in narrative, storytelling, or performance contexts.

  • The actress's believability in the role made the movie very engaging
  • The believability of the plot was compromised by inconsistent details
likelihood

Use when discussing the probability or chance of something happening, often in statistical or predictive contexts.

  • The likelihood of rain tomorrow is about 60%
  • Considering his experience, there is a high likelihood he will get the job
reasonableness

Use when discussing whether something is fair, sensible, or within the bounds of common sense, often in decision-making or ethical assessments.

  • The reasonableness of the company's new policy was debated among the employees
  • Her request for a refund was met with reasonableness by the manager

Examples of usage

  • It is difficult to assess the plausibility of his argument without more evidence.
  • The plausibility of the theory is still being debated among scientists.
Context #2 | Noun

in storytelling

The quality of appearing true or believable within the context of a story or narrative.

Synonyms

authenticity, believability, credibility, realism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plausibility

Refers to the extent to which something seems reasonable or probable, more focused on logical consistency than evidence or authenticity.

  • The plausibility of the hypothesis made it worth exploring further.
  • His story had some plausibility, but lacked concrete details.
believability

Refers to how convincing or likely something seems to be true or real.

  • The believability of the plot twist added excitement to the movie.
  • His excuse for being late lacked believability.
credibility

Used to describe the trustworthiness or reliability of a source or a person, indicating that they can be believed.

  • The scientist's credibility was questioned after the scandal.
  • Her strong credentials gave her credibility in the field.
realism

Used to describe the quality of being lifelike or true to life, often in literature, art, or depictions of scenarios.

  • The painting's realism was so striking that it looked like a photograph.
  • The director's commitment to realism made the historical drama compelling.
authenticity

Used when referring to the genuineness or originality of something, showing it is real and not fake.

  • The authenticity of the antique vase was verified by experts.
  • Her storytelling has a sense of authenticity that captivates listeners.

Examples of usage

  • The plausibility of the plot twist was crucial to the success of the novel.
  • The writer focused on maintaining the plausibility of the characters' actions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, plausibility plays a key role in evaluating arguments and beliefs.
  • Philosopher David Hume argued that for something to be plausible, it must be based on experience and observation.
  • The concept is often used to distinguish between what is likely to be true and what may just be a possibility.

Psychology

  • People often assess the plausibility of a statement based on cognitive biases, which can skew their judgment.
  • The 'illusion of plausibility' can lead people to accept false information as true, especially if it aligns with their beliefs.
  • Studies show that narratives and stories can enhance the perceived plausibility of ideas.

Science

  • In scientific research, the plausibility of hypotheses is assessed before further testing is undertaken.
  • The plausibility of theories can impact funding, publication, and public acceptance in scientific communities.
  • Peer review often focuses on the plausibility of research findings as part of the evaluation process.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often build suspense by creating scenarios that seem plausible yet are exaggerated for effect.
  • The plausibility of plot twists can engage audiences, making them question what might happen next.
  • In science fiction, plausibility often blurs the lines between reality and imagination, challenging viewers to think critically.

Origin of 'plausibility'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'plausibilis', which means 'worthy of applause' or 'acceptable'.
  • It evolved in the 14th century to refer to ideas that could be well-received or believed.
  • The suffix '-ity' turns adjectives into nouns, indicating a state or condition.

The word 'plausibility' originates from the Latin word 'plausibilis', which means deserving applause or approval. The concept of plausibility has been crucial in various fields such as philosophy, literature, and science, where the credibility and believability of arguments, stories, or theories play a significant role in their acceptance. Understanding the plausibility of an idea or narrative helps in evaluating its validity and impact on the audience.

See also: implausibility, implausible.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,949, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.