How Are the Terms Plausible and Believable Related?
The terms "plausible" and "believable" are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Plausible refers to something that is possible or probable, while believable refers to something that is convincing or credible.
In other words, something that is plausible is something that could happen, while something that is believable is something that we are likely to believe. For example, it is plausible that aliens exist, but it is not believable to most people.
Here are some examples of how the terms "plausible" and "believable" can be used:
- Plausible: The suspect’s alibi is plausible, but it is not believable.
- Believing: The witness’s testimony is believable, but it is not certain.
- Plausibility: The plausibility of the theory is supported by the evidence.
- Believableness: The believableness of the story is enhanced by the use of vivid details.
Here are some questions that can help to distinguish between the two terms:
- Is it possible or probable? This is a question of plausibility.
- Is it convincing or credible? This is a question of believability.
The answer to these questions will depend on the context in which the terms are used. For example, in the context of a criminal investigation, the plausibility of a suspect’s alibi is based on the available evidence. In the context of a courtroom, the believability of a witness’s testimony is based on the witness’s credibility.
In general, however, something that is plausible is more likely to be believable than something that is not plausible. This is because something that is plausible is more likely to be consistent with our knowledge and experience.
