C1adverbformalacademiclanguage
US/ˈplɔː.zə.bli/
UK/ˈplɔː.zə.bli/
in a way that seems reasonable and likely to be true
In context
She explained plausibly why the report was late, so nobody doubted her.
The fire could plausibly have been started by an old electric cable.
He could not plausibly deny that he had been at the meeting.
Words that go with plausibly
adverb + verb
- plausibly argueYou could plausibly argue that prices will fall.
- plausibly claimNobody can plausibly claim to know the answer.
- plausibly denyThe minister could not plausibly deny the story.
- plausibly explainThe theory plausibly explains the results.
- plausibly suggestThe evidence plausibly suggests a second cause.
- plausibly expectWe can plausibly expect growth next year.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
That sounds plausibly.Correct: That sounds plausible.