implausible
UK[ɪmˈplɔːzəbl̩]US[ɪmˈplɔːzəbl̩]
adj
not seeming reasonable or probable; difficult to believe
Morpheme Breakdown
im
plaus
ible
im
not
plaus
to clap, to approve
ible
capable of
Etymology
the word 'implausible' is built from the negative prefix 'im-' and the adjective-forming suffix '-ible', attached to the root 'plaus'. this root originates from the latin verb plaudere, meaning 'to clap' or 'to strike', which metaphorically extended to signify approval, as in applauding a performance. the literal sense of 'not capable of being applauded or approved' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of 'not seeming reasonable or believable'. thus, the word's logic moves from a physical act of clapping to a judgment of credibility, with the prefix firmly negating that quality.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + plaus (to clap, to approve) + ible (capable of)
- im: a latin prefix meaning 'not', a variant of 'in-' used before 'p', 'b', or 'm'.
- plaus: from latin plaudere meaning 'to clap, to applaud, to approve'.
- ible: a latin suffix meaning 'capable of, fit for', forming adjectives.
Examples
the detective found the suspect's alibi to be utterly implausible.
it seems implausible that such a small company could win the major contract.
the film's plot was entertaining but highly implausible.