Plausibly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that seems reasonable, probable, or worthy of belief based on available evidence
2. In a way that appears to be credible and logical, fitting well within the realms of reason and likely truth based on the context provided
3. Done in a fashion that is convincing and believable, aligning with what is expected or probable according to circumstances or facts

Etymology: "Plausibly" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "plausible" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added to it. "Plausible" comes from Latin "plausibilis," meaning worthy of applause or approval, from "plaudere," to applaud. The root sense of approval carried into the idea of something that merits acceptance, and eventually of something that seems believable. The suffix has a longer history than the base word. "-ly" descends from an Old English ending "-līċe," which itself came from a Germanic element meaning "having the form or appearance of," the same root that gives English "like." So an adverb such as "plausibly" literally carries the sense of acting in the manner of something that looks right.

Synonyms: believably, credibly, reasonably, likely, feasibly

Antonyms: implausibly, unbelievably, improbably, doubtfully, questionably