Verisimilitude

/ˌvɛrɪsɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/ noun

Definition

The appearance of being true or real; the quality of seeming realistic and believable, especially in art and fiction.

Etymology

From Latin 'verisimilitudo' — 'verus' (true) + 'similis' (like). Aristotle argued that good storytelling needs verisimilitude — not truth itself, but the convincing FEEL of truth.

Kelly Says

It's not about being TRUE — it's about FEELING true! A movie with dragons can have verisimilitude if the dragons feel REAL. Aristotle said the best stories don't need facts, they need believability! 🐉✅

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