Plausibly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'plausibilis,' which means 'worthy of applause' or 'worthy of approval.'
• Its use dates back to the late 14th century, showing how long people have been considering the reasonableness of ideas.
• The suffix '-ly' is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, indicating how something is done.

Psychology

• People often assess information plausibly when they rely on cognitive biases, such as the availability heuristic.
• Research suggests that if something sounds plausible, people tend to accept it as true, regardless of the evidence.
• Cognitive dissonance can occur when new ideas are not plausible based on existing beliefs, causing discomfort.

Critical Thinking

• In debates, being able to argue plausibly helps in presenting ideas that are more likely to be accepted by others.
• Evaluating the plausibility of a claim is essential in scientific inquiry to determine its validity.
• Logical fallacies often undermine plausibility; identifying these can strengthen arguments.

Communication

• Effective speech often requires the speaker to present their ideas plausibly to keep the audience engaged.
• Storytelling techniques emphasize plausibility to create believable narratives, enhancing the listener's connection.
• In advertising, brands aim to make their claims sound plausible to gain consumer trust and encourage purchases.

Media and Pop Culture

• In films, a plot must be plausible for viewers to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story.
• Documentaries strive to present facts plausibly to ensure credibility and audience trust.
• The notion of plausibility is often used in satire, where exaggerated claims highlight the absurdity of real-life situations.

Positioned at #20,113, 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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