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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious; as, a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion. “Plausible and popular arguments.” Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Using specious arguments or discourse; as, a plausible speaker. [ 1913 Webster ] [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 