The word "vraisemblance" is spelled /vʁɛsɑ̃blɑ̃s/ in French, with a silent "v" at the beginning. The first syllable is pronounced with an open "e" sound similar to the "eh" in "meh", followed by a rolled "r" sound. The second syllable has an "a" sound pronounced as in "father", and the final syllable has a nasal "a" sound similar to the "on" in "bonjour". The word means "plausibility" or "likelihood".
Vraisemblance is a noun in the French language, derived from the combination of "vrai" meaning "true" and "semblance" meaning "appearance" or "resemblance." It refers to the quality or characteristic of being plausible, believable, or likely. Vraisemblance is used to describe the degree of credibility or likelihood that something is true or realistic, especially in literature, theater, or storytelling.
In literary and artistic contexts, vraisemblance plays a crucial role in creating a sense of authenticity and enabling the audience or reader to relate to and engage with the work. It involves maintaining a consistent and coherent narrative that adheres to the inherent logic of the story, so as not to appear improbable or contrived. Vraisemblance is often a key criterion for evaluating the effectiveness and success of works of fiction, as it contributes to the suspension of disbelief and the immersion in an alternate reality.
It is worth noting that vraisemblance does not necessarily equate to truth; rather, it pertains to a semblance of truth or plausibility within the context of a work of art. The concept acknowledges the fictional nature of the piece while striving to create a sense of believability or reliability in its storytelling. Vraisemblance is therefore a vital tool employed by authors, playwrights, and filmmakers to captivate audiences and transport them into their imaginative worlds.
The word vraisemblance is of French origin. It is derived from the combination of two French words: vrai, meaning true, and semblance, meaning appearance or resemblance. Thus, vraisemblance can be understood as the appearance of truth or likelihood.