Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about credible (AI summary)

The word "credible" often serves in literature as a marker of believability or trustworthiness, applied both as an evaluative term and as a device to provoke skepticism about what is recounted. In ancient texts and philosophical discourses, it functions to assess the soundness of an argument or narrative, such as when philosophers gauge the veracity of ideas or recount historical events ([1], [2]). At times, authors use it to challenge the plausibility of what is publicized, suggesting doubt about the probability of certain occurrences, as seen when claims are rendered scarcely believable ([3], [4]). Conversely, some writers embrace its positive connotation by asserting that as more evidence or attestation accumulates, the narrative itself grows increasingly credible ([5], [6]). Thus, "credible" becomes a versatile term in literature, bridging the gap between affirmation of truth and the scrutiny of extraordinary claims ([7], [8]).
  1. since the argument which Socrates advanced, and which was exceedingly credible, has now fallen into discredit.
    — from Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato
  2. The art of making stories of ghosts and apparitions credible is said to consist in the manner of telling them.
    — from Gorgias by Plato
  3. But this is but one; it is scarce credible what dreadful cases happened in particular families every day.
    — from A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe
  4. It is more marvellous than credible," said the viceroy.
    — from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
  5. The thought that had flashed into my mind grew real, grew credible.
    — from The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
  6. The story was so fantastic and incredible, the telling so credible and sober.
    — from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
  7. He is the more credible, as he speaks of this persecution with less anger than sorrow.
    — from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
  8. In the Hebrew copies far fewer years are given; and for this either no reason or a not very credible one is given.
    — from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy