Reading Theme:
Plausible: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：seemingly believable (plausible)
plausible
/ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/
adj.
Seeming reasonable or likely to be true, but you're not entirely sure.
seemingly believable
➕
/ˈsiː.mɪŋ.li bɪˈliː.və.bəl/
adj.
Describing something (like a story, reason, or idea) that appears reasonable, credible, or likely to be true on the surface, creating an initial impression of truthfulness, though its actual truth remains unconfirmed or uncertain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'plausibilis' (deserving applause), from 'plaudere' (to applaud).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'applause' (plaudere). A plausible story is one that's 'applaudable' or acceptable enough to be believed, even if you're not clapping for sure.
📖 Example
His excuse for being late was a plausible story about a train delay, so his teacher decided to believe him.
His excuse for being late was a seemingly believable story about a train delay, so his teacher decided to believe him.
🔗 Collocations
plausible explanation – an account that sounds reasonable and could be true
plausible theory – a hypothesis that appears logically sound and possible
plausible denial – a claim of ignorance or non-involvement that is believable enough to avoid blame
🔄 Synonyms
believable (adj.) – capable of being believed; seeming true or real
credible (adj.) – able to be believed; convincing, often based on reliability or authority
conceivable (adj.) – capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; possible to think of
🚫 Antonyms
implausible (adj.) – not seeming reasonable or probable; difficult to believe
unbelievable (adj.) – not able to be believed; so extraordinary as to defy belief
🌱 Derivatives
plausibility (n.) – the quality of seeming reasonable or probable
plausibly (adv.) – in a seemingly reasonable or believable manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'plausibilis,' meaning 'deserving applause.' It entered English via French in the 16th century. The meaning shifted from 'praiseworthy' to 'apparently acceptable or credible,' reflecting how a believable argument can 'win applause' or approval from an audience, even if not definitively proven.
Meaning 2：convincing (plausible)
plausible
/ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/
adj.
(of a person or argument) Good at making you think something might be true or right because they sound sincere or logical.
convincing
➕
/kənˈvɪn.sɪŋ/
adj.
Describing a person or their manner of speaking/arguing as skilled at making ideas appear true, right, or acceptable by using logical reasoning, a sincere tone, or effective presentation, thereby persuading others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She is a very plausible public speaker, which is why so many people support her ideas even before seeing the results.
She is a very convincing public speaker, which is why so many people support her ideas even before seeing the results.
🔗 Collocations
plausible speaker – a person who speaks in a persuasive and believable manner
plausible argument – a line of reasoning presented in a convincing and seemingly logical way
plausible manner – a way of behaving or speaking that inspires belief or confidence
🔄 Synonyms
persuasive (adj.) – good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument
convincing (adj.) – able to make someone believe that something is true or real
specious (adj.) – superficially plausible, but actually wrong; misleading in appearance
🚫 Antonyms
unconvincing (adj.) – failing to make someone believe that something is true or valid
🌱 Derivatives
plausibility (n.) – the quality of being persuasive and appearing truthful
plausibly (adv.) – in a persuasive or convincing manner
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