What does plausibly mean?
Plausibly is an adverb meaning in a way that is believable, reasonable, or likely. It is often used when an explanation, account, or development has enough credibility to be taken seriously but cannot be regarded as certain. For example, someone may say that a policy could plausibly reduce costs, meaning that this is a credible possibility based on what is currently known. In this use, plausibly combines the idea of reasonableness with a degree of probability, although the exact force varies by context. It is especially common in journalism, academic discussion, law, and formal analysis. In some sentences it can function as a more formal equivalent of probably, but it generally retains the implication that the outcome or claim is worth considering. The word is therefore useful when speaking carefully: it acknowledges uncertainty while avoiding the impression that the matter is merely arbitrary.
adverbIn a way that is reasonable or believable. It can also mean probably, suggesting that something is likely to be true or possible.
- In a way that seems reasonable, credible, or likely to be true.
- As a more formal equivalent of probably, indicating a strong but not conclusive likelihood.
"The new explanation is plausible, but there is not yet enough evidence to regard it as certain."
"The witness could plausibly account for the discrepancy."
"It is plausibly argued that the policy will reduce costs, although the evidence is still developing."
Plausibly comes from the Latin word plausibilis, meaning believable or credible—a useful reminder that plausibility is not the same as certainty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plausibly come from?
Plausibly derives from the English adjective plausible, which comes from Latin plausibilis, meaning believable or credible. That Latin adjective was formed from plausus, meaning pleased, together with the suffix -ibilis, associated with being able or liable. The modern English sense developed toward the idea of something being reasonable or likely to be true. Related forms include plausibility and the contrasting word implausible.
Related word forms
How plausibly is actually used
Common in formal and analytical contexts. It is more restrained than an unqualified assertion and usually indicates a reasonable likelihood rather than certainty.
Easily confused with plausibly
Possibly indicates that something might happen, while plausibly suggests that it is credible or reasonably likely to happen.