Plausible vs. Possible: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Plausible refers to something seeming reasonable or probable, while possible refers to something that can happen or be done, regardless of its likelihood.
Difference Between Plausible and Possible
Plausible is typically associated with ideas, arguments, or occurrences that appear likely or reasonable based on preliminary evidence. It is used to describe something that appears to be true or believable to a person's understanding or judgment. In contrast, possible merely denotes the capability of occurring, being done, or being achieved, without indicating any degree of likelihood or believability.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Plausible can imply a degree of skepticism, where an event, scenario, or argument appears to be believable but has not been confirmed or proven definitively. Possible, however, does not inherently carry any implication of believability or probability; it simply indicates that something can occur, whether or not it is likely to.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In assessing arguments or statements, plausible is often used to describe a claim or hypothesis that aligns with existing knowledge or that seems reasonable based on available information. Conversely, possible is more encompassing, allowing for any outcome that is not explicitly precluded by known facts or laws of nature, regardless of its likelihood or rationality.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
To illustrate, a scientific theory may be deemed plausible if it is consistent with existing knowledge and has some supporting evidence, but any conceivable alternative, no matter how unlikely, is theoretically possible until proven otherwise. It is the divergence in the semblance of likelihood and the scope of occurrence that fundamentally differentiates plausible from possible.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
Plausible vs. Possible Comparison Chart
Definition
Seems reasonable or probable
Capable of occurring or being achieved
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Usage
Typically for ideas, arguments, or occurrences
Wide range of situations and occurrences
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Likelihood
Implies a degree of likelihood or believability
Does not imply likelihood or believability
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Scope
Narrower in scope, based on reasonableness
Broader in scope, includes all that can occur
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
Evidence
Requires a degree of supporting evidence or reasoning
Does not require evidence or reasoning
Elijah
Sep 22, 2023
Plausible vs. Possible Definitions
◉Plausible
Seeming reasonable or probable.
It’s plausible that the sudden change in weather caused the flight delay.
William
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of occurring or being achieved.
Finishing the project in one day is possible with enough effort.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
◉Plausible
Credible or acceptable.
His explanation was plausible, addressing all the inconsistencies raised.
William
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
Able to be done or achieved.
Learning a new language is possible with dedication and practice.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Plausible
Conceivable or imaginable.
Given his background, it’s plausible he has the needed expertise.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
Allowed by law or rules.
It is possible to enter the building with proper identification.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Plausible
Likely or probable.
It is plausible that the innovative approach could revolutionize the industry.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances
Is it possible to move faster than the speed of light?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible
a plausible excuse.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of becoming or of being made to be so; potential
possible suspects in the case.
a possible site for the new capital.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of occurring or being done in accordance with something specified. Used with the superlative
You'll get the best possible care at this hospital.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true or likely.
a plausible excuse
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of happening but of uncertain likelihood
It is possible that you might feel some discomfort after the procedure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious.
a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
(obsolete) Worthy of being applauded; praiseworthy; commendable; ready.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.
Rain tomorrow is possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.
It's not just possible, it's probable that there will be rain tomorrow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
(comparable) Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
It's possible for anyone to learn to pay the bagpipes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious; as, a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Being considered, e.g. for a position.
Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
a likely result
he foresaw a probable loss
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
within the realm of credibility;
not a very likely excuse
a plausible story
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
appearing to merit belief or acceptance;
a credible witness
a plausible story
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived or thought of; able to happen; capable of being done; not contrary to the nature of things; - sometimes used to express extreme improbability; barely able to be, or to come to pass; as, possibly he is honest, as it is possible that Judas meant no wrong.
With God all things are possible.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plausible
Appearing true or believable.
Her alibi was plausible, but the detective still had doubts.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
capable of happening or existing;
a breakthrough may be possible next year
anything is possible
warned of possible consequences
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
existing in possibility;
a potential problem
possible uses of nuclear power
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Possible
Within the bounds of capability.
It is possible to see the moon during the day under the right conditions.
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
◉Possible
That may exist or happen, but that is not certain or probable.
It is possible that life exists on other planets.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
Plausible vs. Possible Frequently Asked Questions
Is plausible subjective?
Plausible can be subjective as it may depend on an individual’s perspective and judgment.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Is plausible related to probability?
Yes, plausible often relates to something seeming likely or probable based on available information.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Can possible be used for any scenario?
Yes, possible can be used for any scenario not explicitly precluded by facts or laws of nature.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Does possible imply likelihood?
No, possible does not imply any likelihood; it simply denotes capability of occurring or being done.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is every plausible event also possible?
Yes, every plausible event is also possible, but not every possible event is plausible.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
Is plausible a stronger term than possible?
Yes, plausible is a stronger term as it implies a degree of probability or reasonableness, unlike possible.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
Does plausible require evidence?
Typically, for something to be plausible, it should have some degree of supporting evidence or reasoning.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
Can plausible be used to describe theories?
Yes, plausible is often used to describe theories, hypotheses, or ideas that seem reasonable or probable.
Nolan
Sep 22, 2023
Do plausible and possible have synonymous usage in any context?
In some contexts, plausible and possible might be used interchangeably when discussing potential scenarios or outcomes, but they have different implications.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
Can possible events be implausible?
Yes, many possible events can be implausible, meaning they can occur but seem unlikely.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
