もっともらしい · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | もっともらしい | もっともらしくない |
| Polite | もっともらしいです | もっともらしくないですalso もっともらしくありません |
| Past polite | もっともらしかったです | もっともらしくなかったですalso もっともらしくありませんでした |
| Past | もっともらしかった | もっともらしくなかった |
| Te-form | もっともらしくて | もっともらしくなくて |
| Adverbial | もっともらしく | |
| Conditional | もっともらしければ | もっともらしくなければ |
| Tara conditional | もっともらしかったら | もっともらしくなかったら |
plausible; believable; specious
Describes something that sounds or looks reasonable on the surface, often with an implication that it may not be entirely true or sincere.
His excuse sounded plausible, but nobody believed it.
He justified his failure by lining up specious arguments.
Used for a person's demeanor, expression, or tone that is grave, dignified, or pretending to be serious. Often carries a nuance of affected gravity.
He nodded with a solemn look on his face.
He began to speak in a dignified tone.
He told a lie that sounded plausible.
The teacher explained with a solemn expression.
He gave a plausible-sounding excuse for his absence.