What does plausible mean?
Plausible means believable, reasonable, or likely to be true. It is especially useful when discussing an explanation, theory, claim, or account that fits the available evidence and seems credible, while stopping short of asserting that it is unquestionably correct. For example, a plausible explanation is one that a reasonable person might accept, even if further investigation is needed. The word can also describe a possibility that seems credible: a person might say that it is plausible that a change in circumstances led to a particular result. In everyday use, “plausible” often carries a slightly cautious or provisional tone. It can describe something entirely genuine and well supported, but it may also suggest that further evidence is required to establish the matter with certainty. Its usefulness lies in expressing confidence with appropriate caution.
adjectiveBelievable or acceptable as true, reasonable, or likely. It describes an explanation, idea, account, or claim that seems credible even if it has not been proved.
- Believable or acceptable as true; credible.
- Apparently reasonable or likely, especially as an explanation, theory, or account.
"The researcher offered a plausible explanation for the unexpected results."
"The witness gave a plausible account of how the accident happened."
"It is plausible that the two documents were written by the same author."
Plausible began as a compliment: its Latin ancestor could mean “pleasing” as well as “believable,” before English narrowed it to the idea of sounding reasonable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plausible come from?
Plausible comes from Latin plausibilis, a form associated with plausus, the past participle of placere, meaning “to please.” The Latin word could convey ideas such as pleasing, acceptable, or believable. English adopted plausible in the early 17th century, with its modern sense gradually emphasizing credibility and reasonableness rather than literal appeal.
Related word forms
How plausible is actually used
The word is common in formal and informal English. It often indicates that something is reasonable or believable rather than definitively true, so it can express a qualified judgment.
Easily confused with plausible
Plausible focuses on whether something is believable or reasonable, whereas possible focuses on whether something can happen or exist.
Plausible often means that something seems believable on the available evidence, while credible more directly emphasizes a capacity to be believed or trusted.