plausibility 🔊
Meaning of plausibility
The quality of seeming reasonable or probable.
Key Difference
Plausibility refers to the appearance of truth or reasonableness, whereas its synonyms may emphasize different aspects like believability, credibility, or likelihood.
Example of plausibility
- The plausibility of his alibi was questioned when security footage showed him elsewhere.
- Scientists assessed the plausibility of the new theory based on existing evidence.
Synonyms
believability 🔊
Meaning of believability
The quality of being able to be believed; credibility.
Key Difference
Believability focuses more on whether something can be accepted as true, while plausibility emphasizes reasonableness.
Example of believability
- The witness's testimony lacked believability due to inconsistencies.
- A good story needs a high level of believability to engage readers.
credibility 🔊
Meaning of credibility
The quality of being trusted and believed in.
Key Difference
Credibility is about trustworthiness, while plausibility is about appearing reasonable or likely.
Example of credibility
- The journalist's credibility was damaged after the scandal.
- Expert opinions add credibility to scientific claims.
likelihood 🔊
Meaning of likelihood
The state of being likely to happen; probability.
Key Difference
Likelihood refers to statistical probability, whereas plausibility is about perceived reasonableness.
Example of likelihood
- The likelihood of rain tomorrow is high according to the forecast.
- There's a strong likelihood that the team will win the championship.
reasonableness 🔊
Meaning of reasonableness
The quality of being based on good sense or sound judgment.
Key Difference
Reasonableness implies logical soundness, while plausibility suggests superficial acceptability.
Example of reasonableness
- The judge praised the reasonableness of the defendant's argument.
- The policy was criticized for its lack of reasonableness.
feasibility 🔊
Meaning of feasibility
The practicality or possibility of something being accomplished.
Key Difference
Feasibility is about whether something can be done, while plausibility is about whether it seems true.
Example of feasibility
- The feasibility of building a bridge in such a short time was doubted.
- A feasibility study was conducted before starting the project.
validity 🔊
Meaning of validity
The quality of being logically or factually sound.
Key Difference
Validity refers to correctness, while plausibility refers to initial appearance of correctness.
Example of validity
- The validity of the research findings was confirmed by peer review.
- She questioned the validity of his claims due to lack of evidence.
probability 🔊
Meaning of probability
The extent to which something is likely to occur.
Key Difference
Probability is a measurable statistical concept, while plausibility is a subjective assessment.
Example of probability
- The probability of winning the lottery is extremely low.
- In quantum physics, probability plays a fundamental role.
acceptability 🔊
Meaning of acceptability
The quality of being tolerated or allowed.
Key Difference
Acceptability is about meeting standards, while plausibility is about appearing reasonable.
Example of acceptability
- The acceptability of the new policy varied among employees.
- Social norms determine the acceptability of certain behaviors.
soundness 🔊
Meaning of soundness
The quality of being based on valid reasoning or evidence.
Key Difference
Soundness implies thorough correctness, while plausibility suggests surface-level reasonableness.
Example of soundness
- The soundness of his argument convinced even the skeptics.
- Engineers tested the structural soundness of the building.
Conclusion
- Plausibility is crucial when assessing whether an idea or claim appears reasonable at first glance.
- Believability is essential when the focus is on whether people will accept something as true.
- Credibility should be prioritized when trustworthiness is the key concern.
- Likelihood is the best term when discussing statistical or measurable probabilities.
- Reasonableness works well when evaluating arguments for logical consistency.
- Feasibility is the right choice when assessing whether something can be practically achieved.
- Validity is important when determining factual or logical correctness.
- Probability is the most precise term for quantifiable chances of occurrence.
- Acceptability matters most when considering social or cultural norms.
- Soundness is ideal when evaluating the thoroughness and strength of reasoning.