What is the difference between credible and plausible?

Definitions

credible

- Describing a source of information that is trustworthy and reliable.

- Referring to a person or organization that is considered to be honest and believable.

- Talking about a claim or statement that is supported by evidence and can be accepted as true.

plausible

- Referring to a claim or explanation that appears to be reasonable or possible.

- Describing a scenario or situation that could happen based on available evidence.

- Talking about a theory or idea that is not necessarily proven but is believable.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words relate to the believability of information or claims.
• 2. Both words suggest that something is reasonable or possible.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe theories, explanations, or scenarios.

What is the difference?

• 1. Evidence: Credible implies that there is evidence to support the claim, while plausible suggests that the claim is reasonable based on available information.
• 2. Source: Credible refers to the trustworthiness of the source, while plausible does not necessarily consider the source.
• 3. Believability: Credible emphasizes the high likelihood of the claim being true, while plausible suggests that the claim is believable but not necessarily proven.
• 4. Usage: Credible is often used in formal or academic contexts, while plausible is more commonly used in everyday language.
• 5. Connotation: Credible has a positive connotation, while plausible can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the claim may not be entirely true or accurate.

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Remember this!

Credible and plausible are both words used to describe the believability of information or claims. However, the difference between them lies in the level of evidence and the source of the claim. Credible implies that there is evidence to support the claim and that the source is trustworthy, while plausible suggests that the claim is reasonable based on available information, regardless of the source. Additionally, credible is often used in formal or academic contexts, while plausible is more commonly used in everyday language.