C1adverbartsmedia
US/bɪˈliː.və.bli/
UK/bɪˈliː.və.bli/
in a way that seems true or real, so that people can accept it
In context
The young actor played a grieving father believably, and the audience was moved.
She explained believably why the report had been late.
The film shows a futuristic city believably, with no obvious special effects.
Words that go with believably
verb + adverb
- act believablyIt is hard to act believably when you have no real feeling for the role.
- portray believablyThe novel portrays teenage life believably.
- lie believablyChildren rarely lie believably before the age of ten.
adverb + adjective
- believably humanThe software voice sounds believably human.
- believably realThe robot looked believably real from a distance.
adverb + verb
- believably writtenThe characters are believably written and never feel like stereotypes.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He lied very believable.Correct: He lied very believably.