What Does ‘Plausible’ Mean? SAT Vocabulary Explained
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘plausible’ for your SAT vocabulary. This video covers its definition, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors to help you use it correctly in various contexts.
Imagine you’re watching a sci-fi movie where aliens with advanced technology visit Earth. While it might seem far-fetched, many scientists consider the existence of extraterrestrial life plausible.
But what exactly does plausible mean, and why is it an important word to know for your SAT vocabulary?
Let’s find out.
Word type: Plausible is an adjective. It’s used to describe something that seems reasonable or probable.
Meaning: When we say something is plausible, we mean it appears to be believable or likely true, even if we don’t have concrete proof.
It’s a concept that falls between possible and probable, suggesting that an idea or explanation makes sense based on available information.
Word history: The word plausible comes from the Latin plausibilis, meaning worthy of applause or approval.
It entered the English language in the sixteenth century, originally meaning pleasing or acceptable.
Over time, its meaning shifted to focus more on the likelihood or believability of something.
Antonyms:
To better understand plausible, it’s helpful to consider its opposites. Antonyms of plausible include implausible, unlikely, improbable, and far-fetched.
These words describe ideas or explanations that are hard to believe or accept as true.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for plausible are credible, believable, reasonable, and likely.
These words all convey the sense that something seems to be true or possible, even if it hasn’t been proven definitively.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how plausible can be used in different contexts. The detective’s theory about the theft seemed plausible, given the evidence found at the crime scene.
Although time travel remains a topic of science fiction, some physicists argue that it’s theoretically plausible under certain conditions.
The company provided a plausible explanation for the delay in their product launch, citing supply chain issues.
Her excuse for being late was plausible, but her teacher remained skeptical. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing plausible with possible.
While something plausible is always possible, not everything possible is plausible. For example, it’s possible that you could win the lottery tomorrow, but it’s not very plausible.
Another error is using plausible when you mean true or factual. Remember, plausible means something seems likely or reasonable, not that it’s definitely true.
Understanding and using the word plausible correctly can enhance your critical thinking skills and your ability to evaluate arguments and explanations.
Whether you’re analyzing a scientific theory, a historical account, or a character’s motivations in literature, considering what’s plausible will help you make more informed judgments.
As you prepare for the SAT, remember that plausible is not just a vocabulary word, but a concept that can be applied across various subjects and real-life situations.
