Verisimilitude

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Verisimilitude?

noun
The appearance of being true or real.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˌvɛr.ɪ.sɪˈmɪl.ɪˌtuːd/
UK pronunciation: /ˌvɛr.ɪ.sɪˈmɪl.ɪ.tjuːd/
Slow pronunciation: veh-ri-sih-MIL-ih-tood

Meaning Explained

Verisimilitude is the lifelike quality in art or argument that makes us believe.

Why This Word?

Chosen to highlight how craft makes fiction feel true and data feel persuasive.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Documentary style gives the film verisimilitude.
  • Citations lend verisimilitude to the claim.
  • Dialect adds verisimilitude to the dialogue.

Word Origins

Latin veri- (true) + similitudo (likeness)

A central concept in poetics and narrative theory.

First appearance in English: early 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: verisimilar

    A verisimilar setting grounded the fantasy.

  • Noun: credibility

    Credibility depends on evidence.

  • Noun: plausibility

    Plausibility kept readers invested.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: verosimilitud
  • French: vraisemblance
  • German: Wahrscheinlichkeit / Glaubwürdigkeit
  • Italian: verosimiglianza
  • Portuguese: verossimilhança

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Authenticity

About genuineness; verisimilitude is likeness.

Accuracy

Matches fact; verisimilitude matches feel.

Realism

A movement/style; verisimilitude is an effect.

Fun Facts

  • Fantasy world-building hinges on internal verisimilitude.
  • “Truthiness” parodies verisimilitude in political satire.

Cultural Usage

  • Aristotle’s poetics value verisimilitude over strict fact.
  • Neorealism sought verisimilitude through on-location shooting.

Common Mistakes

Not the same as “truth”; it is the feel of truth.

Micro Story

The novel’s verisimilitude comes from precise, ordinary details.