plausible
Seeming reasonable or likely to be true.
ExampleThe passage gives a plausible explanation for the sudden population shift.
ExampleThe professor says the theory is plausible but still lacks enough evidence.
Usage Scenarios
Evaluating a theory
Recognize plausible when the author treats an explanation as reasonable but not settled.
ExampleThe migration theory is plausible because it fits the fossil evidence.
Comparing explanations
Notice whether the passage presents several plausible explanations before choosing one.
ExampleBoth explanations are plausible, but the second has stronger empirical support.
Usage Guide
Recognize plausible when a TOEFL passage evaluates a theory, explanation, reason, or interpretation as reasonable. The word often appears before the author discusses evidence limits.
High-value chunks include plausible explanation, plausible theory, plausible reason, and plausible interpretation. The noun after plausible should be something that can be evaluated.
Do not read plausible as proven. A plausible idea sounds reasonable, but the passage may still require empirical evidence or further testing.
Word Forms & Word Building
Plausible uses the adjective suffix -ible, which often means able to be accepted or believed in this word family.
Plausibility is formed with the noun suffix -ity and means the quality of seeming reasonable.
Implausible adds the negative prefix im-, meaning not plausible or not reasonable enough to accept.
Meaning Boundaries
Plausible vs possible
Possible only means it could happen. Plausible means it seems reasonable based on available information.
Plausible vs proven
Proven means established by evidence. Plausible means reasonable enough to consider, but not necessarily confirmed.
Register
Plausible is formal and common in TOEFL readings about hypotheses, explanations, interpretations, and theories.
Memory Tricks
Think reasonable, not proven. Plausible sits between wild guess and confirmed conclusion.
Pair it with explanation and theory because TOEFL passages often compare possible causes.
When reading, ask what evidence makes the idea plausible and what evidence is still missing.
Common Traps
Do not use plausible for a fact already fully established by the passage.
Do not confuse plausible with pleasant; plausible is about reasonableness, not enjoyment.
If the passage calls an explanation plausible, keep watching for whether later evidence supports or weakens it.