conceivable 🔊
Meaning of conceivable
Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; something that can be believed or understood.
Key Difference
While 'conceivable' refers to what can be imagined or thought possible, its synonyms may vary in degree of plausibility, likelihood, or tangibility.
Example of conceivable
- It is conceivable that humans will colonize Mars within the next century.
- With enough effort, a solution to climate change is conceivable.
Synonyms
imaginable 🔊
Meaning of imaginable
Something that can be pictured or thought of in the mind.
Key Difference
While 'conceivable' implies possibility within reason, 'imaginable' leans more toward what can be visualized, even if unrealistic.
Example of imaginable
- A world without war is imaginable, but achieving it is another challenge.
- She described scenes so vivid they were easily imaginable.
plausible 🔊
Meaning of plausible
Something that appears reasonable or probable.
Key Difference
'Plausible' suggests a higher likelihood than 'conceivable,' which is broader and includes even far-fetched ideas.
Example of plausible
- His alibi was plausible, so the police did not suspect him.
- The theory of parallel universes is scientifically plausible.
possible 🔊
Meaning of possible
Something that can exist, happen, or be done.
Key Difference
'Possible' is more general, while 'conceivable' emphasizes mental graspability.
Example of possible
- It is possible to travel around the world in 80 days, just as in Jules Verne's novel.
- With enough funding, the project is possible.
thinkable 🔊
Meaning of thinkable
Capable of being considered or thought about.
Key Difference
'Thinkable' is more about mental consideration, whereas 'conceivable' implies a stronger sense of believability.
Example of thinkable
- In the past, space travel was hardly thinkable.
- A world without the internet is almost unthinkable now.
credible 🔊
Meaning of credible
Believable or trustworthy.
Key Difference
'Credible' implies reliability, while 'conceivable' only requires mental possibility.
Example of credible
- The witness gave a credible account of the incident.
- His explanation sounded credible enough to convince the jury.
feasible 🔊
Meaning of feasible
Practical and achievable.
Key Difference
'Feasible' focuses on practicality, while 'conceivable' is about mental acceptance.
Example of feasible
- Building a bridge across the strait is technically feasible.
- The plan sounds feasible if we secure enough resources.
supposable 🔊
Meaning of supposable
Capable of being supposed or assumed.
Key Difference
'Supposable' is more hypothetical, while 'conceivable' suggests a stronger mental grasp.
Example of supposable
- It is supposable that ancient civilizations had advanced knowledge lost to time.
- A scenario where AI surpasses human intelligence is supposable.
believable 🔊
Meaning of believable
Something that can be accepted as true.
Key Difference
'Believable' requires trust, whereas 'conceivable' only requires mental possibility.
Example of believable
- The plot of the movie was strange but still believable.
- Her excuse was barely believable.
permissible 🔊
Meaning of permissible
Allowed or acceptable.
Key Difference
'Permissible' relates to rules or ethics, while 'conceivable' is about mental possibility.
Example of permissible
- In some cultures, polygamy is permissible by law.
- Under the new policy, remote work is permissible.
Conclusion
- 'Conceivable' is a broad term that covers anything the mind can grasp, whether realistic or not.
- 'Imaginable' is best when discussing creative or visual possibilities, even if unlikely.
- 'Plausible' should be used when something is not only conceivable but also reasonably likely.
- 'Possible' is the most general term, applicable to any scenario that could occur.
- 'Thinkable' works when emphasizing mental consideration rather than likelihood.
- 'Credible' is ideal when trustworthiness or believability is key.
- 'Feasible' is the right choice when discussing practical execution.
- 'Supposable' fits hypothetical or speculative discussions.
- 'Believable' is appropriate when assessing truthfulness.
- 'Permissible' should be used in contexts involving rules or ethics rather than mere possibility.