plausibility
plausibility — noun
1. how believable or acceptable something appears to be true, especially when it fi
how believable or acceptable something appears to be true, especially when it fits with what seems reasonable or likely — for example, a scientific theory, an excuse, or a film plot that strikes you as plausible.
The plausibility of the alibi fell apart when Rachel's phone records were checked.
collocation: plausibility of [alibi/theory/story]
Felipe questioned the plausibility of a story claiming the dog could speak three languages.
questioned the plausibility of + [claim/story]
Ayana's argument had enough plausibility to make the committee pause before rejecting it.
Scientists tested the plausibility of the new theory by running a series of computer models.
The film's plot lacks plausibility — no real person would make those choices.
- credibility
Broader: involves trust in a person or source, not just how true something seems. 'The witness lost credibility.'
- believability
More straightforward and less formal; simply means 'able to be believed'.
- verisimilitude
Formal term, usually used in art or fiction for the appearance of truth.
- implausibility
Direct opposite: the quality of being hard to believe.
文法句型
the plausibility of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Plausibility is almost always uncountable. The countable use ('a plausibility' meaning 'a plausible thing') is extremely rare and not recommended for learners.