Plau"si*ble (?), a. [L.
plausibilis praiseworthy, from plaudere, plausum,
to applaud, clap the hands, strike, beat.] 1.
Worthy of being applauded; praiseworthy; commendable;
ready. [Obs.] Bp. Hacket.
2. Obtaining approbation; specifically
pleasing; apparently right; specious; as, a plausible pretext;
plausible manners; a plausible delusion.
"Plausible and popular arguments." Clarendon.
3. Using specious arguments or discourse; as,
a plausible speaker.
Syn. -- Plausible, Specious. Plausible
denotes that which seems reasonable, yet leaves distrust in the
judgment. Specious describes that which presents a fair
appearance to the view and yet covers something false. Specious
refers more definitely to the act or purpose of false representation;
plausible has more reference to the effect on the beholder or
hearer. An argument may by specious when it is not
plausible because its sophistry is so easily discovered.
