Main Entry:

plau·si·ble

Pronunciation:

\ˈplȯ-zə-bəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin plausibilis worthy of applause, from plausus, past participle of plaudere

Date:

1565

1 : superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious <a plausible pretext> 2 : superficially pleasing or persuasive <a swindler… , then a quack, then a smooth, plausible gentleman — R. W. Emerson> 3 : appearing worthy of belief <the argument was both powerful and plausible>

— plau·si·ble·ness noun

— plau·si·bly \-blē\ adverb