もっともらしい
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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 |
Meanings
1
plausible; believable; specious
usually written using kana alone
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.
2
usually written using kana alone
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.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉をもっともらしく言うto say something in a way that sounds plausible
He told a lie that sounded plausible.
- もっともらしい顔をするto put on a solemn, dignified expression (often as pretense)
The teacher explained with a solemn expression.
- もっともらしい理由をつけるto give a plausible-sounding reason or excuse
He gave a plausible-sounding excuse for his absence.