plausible 🔊
Meaning of plausible
Something that appears reasonable or probable, but is not necessarily proven to be true.
Key Difference
Unlike 'possible' or 'conceivable,' 'plausible' implies a higher degree of believability based on initial evidence or reasoning.
Example of plausible
- The detective found the suspect's alibi plausible but decided to investigate further.
- Her explanation for the missing files was plausible, so her manager gave her the benefit of the doubt.
Synonyms
believable 🔊
Meaning of believable
Capable of being accepted as true or credible.
Key Difference
'Believable' focuses more on general acceptance, while 'plausible' suggests logical coherence.
Example of believable
- The witness's testimony was believable, but the jury needed more evidence.
- His excuse for being late was believable, so she didn’t question him further.
credible 🔊
Meaning of credible
Worthy of belief or trust, often based on reliability or authority.
Key Difference
'Credible' often implies trustworthiness due to reputation, while 'plausible' is more about initial logic.
Example of credible
- The scientist presented a credible theory backed by years of research.
- The news source was credible, so people trusted the report.
reasonable 🔊
Meaning of reasonable
Fair and sensible, based on good judgment.
Key Difference
'Reasonable' is broader and applies to actions or decisions, while 'plausible' is more about explanations or arguments.
Example of reasonable
- It was reasonable to assume the meeting would be postponed due to the storm.
- The judge found the defendant's request reasonable and granted it.
conceivable 🔊
Meaning of conceivable
Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
Key Difference
'Conceivable' is more about imagination, while 'plausible' suggests a stronger likelihood.
Example of conceivable
- It’s conceivable that humans will colonize Mars in the next century.
- A sudden change in weather was conceivable, so they packed extra supplies.
probable 🔊
Meaning of probable
Likely to happen or be true.
Key Difference
'Probable' indicates a higher chance of being true, while 'plausible' is more about initial believability.
Example of probable
- Given the dark clouds, rain seemed probable later in the day.
- The probable cause of the power outage was a fallen tree.
persuasive 🔊
Meaning of persuasive
Good at convincing someone to believe or do something.
Key Difference
'Persuasive' focuses on influencing opinions, while 'plausible' is about logical coherence.
Example of persuasive
- The lawyer’s closing argument was so persuasive that the jury quickly reached a verdict.
- Her persuasive speech convinced many to support the new policy.
likely 🔊
Meaning of likely
Having a high probability of occurring or being true.
Key Difference
'Likely' is more certain, while 'plausible' is about initial reasonableness.
Example of likely
- It’s likely that the team will win given their strong performance.
- The most likely explanation was a technical glitch.
feasible 🔊
Meaning of feasible
Possible to do easily or conveniently.
Key Difference
'Feasible' relates to practicality, while 'plausible' relates to logical believability.
Example of feasible
- The plan to build a new bridge within a year seemed feasible.
- It’s feasible to complete the project on time with extra resources.
sound 🔊
Meaning of sound
Based on valid reasoning or evidence.
Key Difference
'Sound' implies thorough validity, while 'plausible' is more about surface-level believability.
Example of sound
- The researcher’s methodology was sound, so the results were trusted.
- His argument was sound and left no room for doubt.
Conclusion
- 'Plausible' is best used when something seems reasonable based on initial evidence but hasn’t been fully verified.
- 'Believable' works when general acceptance is enough, without deep scrutiny.
- 'Credible' should be used when trustworthiness or authority supports the claim.
- 'Reasonable' fits broader contexts where fairness and sensibility are key.
- 'Conceivable' is ideal for hypothetical or imaginative scenarios.
- 'Probable' is stronger, indicating a higher likelihood of truth.
- 'Persuasive' is about influencing opinions rather than just being logically sound.
- 'Likely' implies a higher degree of certainty than 'plausible.'
- 'Feasible' is about practicality and ease of execution.
- 'Sound' is the best choice when validity and thoroughness are required.