Plausible describes something that seems reasonable or likely to be true, even if it’s not proven.
From Latin 'plausibilis' meaning 'deserving applause', from 'plaudere' meaning 'to clap, applaud'. It shifted from 'praiseworthy' to 'having a good-sounding argument'.
A 'plausible' story is one your brain wants to clap for—it fits your expectations so well that you almost believe it automatically. That’s why plausible lies and myths can be so sticky: they feel right, even when they’re wrong.
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