Not seeming reasonable or probable; difficult to believe based on what is known or expected. It describes claims, explanations, or scenarios that strain credibility without being outright impossible.
From Latin implausibilis, meaning 'not worthy of applause,' composed of in- (not) + plausibilis (deserving approval). The original sense related to ideas not worthy of acceptance or approval by reasonable people.
Implausible literally means 'not applause-worthy'! Ancient Romans would show approval by clapping, so implausible ideas were those that wouldn't get a positive reception from a thinking audience – they'd be met with skeptical silence instead.
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