Plausible vs. Possible

Attribute	Plausible	Possible
Definition	Seemingly reasonable or probable	Capable of happening or being true
Likelihood	More likely than not	Could happen but not necessarily probable
Evidence	May have some supporting evidence	May lack supporting evidence
Imagination	May require some imagination	May not require imagination

Definition

Plausible and possible are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Possible refers to something that can happen or exist, while plausible refers to something that is believable or reasonable. In other words, something that is possible may not necessarily be plausible, and vice versa.

Probability

When it comes to probability, possible events have a higher likelihood of occurring compared to plausible events. This is because possible events are within the realm of what could happen based on known facts or circumstances. On the other hand, plausible events are more speculative and may require additional evidence or reasoning to support their likelihood.

Evidence

One key difference between plausible and possible is the role of evidence. Possible events may be supported by existing evidence or logical reasoning, making them more concrete and verifiable. Plausible events, on the other hand, may lack sufficient evidence or may rely more on assumptions or speculation, making them less certain.

Imagination

While both plausible and possible events involve some level of imagination or speculation, plausible events are often more grounded in reality. They are more likely to be based on existing knowledge or patterns of behavior, making them easier to envision or understand. Possible events, on the other hand, may require a greater leap of imagination or creativity to consider.

Implications

When considering the implications of plausible and possible events, it is important to recognize the difference in their impact. Possible events may have more immediate or tangible consequences, as they are based on known factors or conditions. Plausible events, on the other hand, may have more far-reaching or speculative implications, as they may involve more uncertainty or complexity.

Decision Making

When making decisions, it is important to consider both plausible and possible outcomes. Possible outcomes may be more predictable or manageable, as they are based on known factors or probabilities. Plausible outcomes, on the other hand, may require more careful consideration or analysis, as they may involve more uncertainty or risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while plausible and possible are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications. Possible events are more likely to occur based on known facts or circumstances, while plausible events are more believable or reasonable. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help in making more informed decisions and assessments of future events.