Definition of plausible

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< Plauen

plausive >

plau·si·ble    (plôz-bl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible: a plausible excuse.
2. Giving a deceptive impression of truth or reliability.
3. Disingenuously smooth; fast-talking: "Ambitious, unscrupulous, energetic, ... and plausible,a political gladiator, ready for a 'set-to' in any crowd" (Frederick Douglass).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin plausibilis, deserving applause, from plausus, past participle of plaudere, to applaud

OTHER FORMS:
plausi·bili·ty or plausi·ble·ness(Noun), plausi·bly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
plausible, believable, colorable, credible

These adjectives mean appearing to merit belief or acceptance: a plausible pretext; a believable excuse; a colorable explanation; a credible assertion.