Words / C2

ver-is-i-MIL-it-yood/ˌverɪsɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

Verisimilitude is the feeling that something could be real — lifelike truth in fiction, film, or a reconstruction. Realism is the broader art term; authenticity is everyday for “feels genuine.” Critics praise or doubt the verisimilitude of dialogue. In speech, it feels real or you can believe it; verisimilitude is a seminar word. Teach it as “the appearance of truth,” not as truth itself — a convincing lie can have verisimilitude.

Meaning

The appearance of being true or real.

Examples

• “The novel’s dialogue has real verisimilitude.”
• “The courtroom scenes have verisimilitude; the romance does not.”
• “Too much slang, ironically, can damage verisimilitude if the date is 1950.”

Good to know

Appearance of being real. Everyday: lifelike / convincing. Academic/critical. Not the same as truth.

Near in meaning

realism

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