Words of Positivity
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Verisimilitude

n.thoughtful, capableliterary

What it means

The convincing appearance of being true or real.

Reach for it when praising fiction or representation for a convincing appearance of reality

Carefully chosen domestic details gave the historical drama convincing verisimilitude.

Choose between these

6
  • everyday

    lifelikeness

    visual resemblance to living form matters

    not when Lifelikeness is awkward for dialogue or social behavior.

  • warm

    authenticity

    the work feels true to an experience or tradition

    not when Authenticity can imply rightful origin, not mere appearance.

  • professional

    credibility

    the audience can believe the account

    not when Credibility applies to sources as well as representation.

  • professional

    plausibility

    events seem reasonably possible

    not when Plausibility requires coherence, not rich realistic detail.

  • professional

    realism

    faithful depiction of ordinary life or conditions is central

    not when Realism can name an artistic movement or philosophy.

  • formal

    naturalism

    detailed art avoids idealization

    not when Naturalism has specific artistic and philosophical meanings.

Said against

3
  • artificiality
  • implausibility
  • falseness

It naturally appears in

3
  • sense of verisimilitude

    Scuffed tools gave the workshop scene a sense of verisimilitude.

  • historical verisimilitude

    Period recipes strengthened the drama's historical verisimilitude.

  • create verisimilitude

    Regional speech patterns create verisimilitude when used with restraint.