Definition

The quality of seeming true or real, often used to describe how believable something is in literature or art.

Example

The novel's verisimilitude made the characters and events feel very realistic.

Conversation

Did you notice the verisimilitude in that new movie we watched?

Yeah, it felt so real, like I was actually there!

Exactly! The details added so much to the story.

I agree, it really made the characters come to life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Verisimilitude is formed from "veri-" (from Latin "verus", meaning true) and "similitudo" (from Latin, meaning likeness or similarity). The word refers to the quality of appearing to be true or real, thus conveying a sense of truthfulness in representation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'veri-' meaning true and 'similitudo' meaning likeness — this helps you remember that verisimilitude is about the quality of seeming true or real.

Visually Confused Words