implausibly

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪmˈplɔːzəblɪ/

KK: /ɪmˈplɔːzəblɪ/

adverb

Definition

In a way that is not believable or likely to be true.

Example

She explained the situation implausibly, making it hard for anyone to believe her story.

Conversation

Did you hear the story about the magician who could implausibly fly?

Yeah, I read about that; it sounds totally made up.

Right? I mean, people will believe anything if it's presented well.

Exactly! Some things just seem too implausibly ridiculous to be true.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unbelievably

incredibly

improbably

Antonyms

believably

plausibly

realistically

Root Explanation

Implausibly → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "plausibilis" (from Latin, meaning worthy of applause or approval) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "implausibly" means in a manner that is not worthy of approval or belief.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with something that is 'worthy of applause' ('plausibilis') — this helps you remember that 'implausibly' means something that is not believable.

Visually Confused Words