These words all mean capable of being believed or worthy of being accepted as real, true or trustworthy. Believable is the most general term and describes anything that is possible, probable or acceptable either because it is in accordance with one’s everyday experience and observation or because it is not directly contrary to fact.

• He gave us a frightening, but believable , account of his childhood in the slums; The boy’s tale of meeting a pirate on the deserted beach is simply not believable .

Credible is sometimes used interchangeably with believable : a believable excuse for his lateness; a credible explanation for having failed to finish his work. However, credible goes a step beyond believable in that something that is credible merits belief and is supported by known facts: a credible account of the causes of World War II. Credible is now rarely used of persons except in the expression credible witness ?that is, a witness who is reliable and trustworthy in giving accurate testimony.

Something that is convincing is believable because it overcomes any doubt, uncertainty, or hesitancy in accepting it. A convincing argument compels one’s belief in its soundness because it satisfies the sense of logic or fitness.

The earlier meaning of plausible adhered closely to its etymology, "worthy of applause " ?that is, commendable or capable of winning favourable acceptance by the mind. It now carries a strong implication of deception and speciousness. A plausible statement will very likely be one that appears to be convincing or believable on the surface, but which, upon closer examination, is not so.