believable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
believable Word Meanings
- capable of being believed
- worthy of confidence
- plausible
believable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
believable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
./bɪˈliː.və.bəl/
US
/bɪˈliː.və.bəl/
believable Word Etymology
The word 'believable' is composed of the prefix 'be-' (making) and the root 'liev' (to believe). It originated from Old English 'believe', which traces back to Old French and Latin. Imagine a person nodding in agreement, with a big 'thumbs up' to signify trust and acceptance – that's the essence of 'believable'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Believable is used for something that can be believed or is credible. It describes statements, explanations, or appearances that give a sense of trustworthiness. In English you can say a story is believable, a witness's testimony is believable, or a plan seems believable when it is backed by evidence. It contrasts with unbelievable. The word emphasizes plausibility and reliability rather than emotional appeal or clever rhetoric. Learners often confuse believable with believable-looking or easily believed; the key is feasibility backed by facts. In everyday speech, people use believable to judge whether information could reasonably be accepted as true.
Usage Reminders
- • Use believable for statements, explanations, or appearances that seem credible.
- • Pair with evidence or data to boost plausibility.
- • Don’t confuse with unbelievable or with phrases like believable-looking.
- • Compare with credible and plausible to choose the right nuance.
- • Use with verbs like seem, appear, or become when describing perception.
- • Check context: is the claim testable or verifiable?
Common Misconceptions
- Believable means you like something.
- If people say it looks believable, it must be true.
- Believable and credible are always interchangeable.
- Believable describes feelings, not evidence.
- You should say 'unbelievable' to mean 'not believable' in all cases.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate plausibility from emotion; focus on evidence and logical coherence. Learners often mix up believable with arguments that merely feel persuasive or with phrases like 'believable-looking'.
Learning Tips
- Compare believable with credible and plausible to choose the right nuance
- Use with concrete evidence (data, sources) to strengthen believability
- Avoid confusing with believe; remember belief vs beliefability
- Pair with verbs like seem, appear, or become when describing perception
- Check if the claim is testable or verifiable
- Practice with real-world examples (news, reports) to notice subtle differences
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'believable'?
A.Difficult to understand
B.Full of magic or mystery
C.Capable of being accepted as true or real
D.Completely false
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'believable' correctly?
A.She gave a believable explanation for her absence.
B.The story was too unbelievable to take seriously.
C.His lie was barely believable to anyone.
D.That movie was often unbelievable.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'believable'?
A.Trustworthy
B.Incredible
C.Unrealistic
D.Fictional
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'believable'?
A.Untrustworthy
B.Credible
C.Reasonable
D.Plausible
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is believable?
A.A well-researched news report that reflects true events.
B.A tall tale that seems exaggerated and unlikely.
C.An outrageous claim made without evidence.
D.A conspiracy theory that many dismiss as absurd.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App