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The appearance of being true or real; the quality of seeming to be true.
synonyms:realismauthenticity
The word 'verisimilitude' comes from the Latin 'verisimilitudo', which combines 'verus' meaning 'true' and 'similis' meaning 'similar'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century.
Typically used in literary analysis, film studies, and discussions about art to describe the realism of representations.
While 'verisimilitude' is not used in everyday conversation, it appears in academic and artistic discussions, making it more common in specialized contexts.
The novel's verisimilitude was so strong that readers felt they were living in the protagonist's world.
Critics praised the documentary for its verisimilitude, capturing the real-life struggles of its subjects.
In theater, achieving verisimilitude can transform a simple play into a powerful emotional experience.
Verisimilitude is a fascinating word that captures the essence of what makes stories, art, and media feel authentic and relatable. Originating from Latin roots that mean 'true' and 'similar', it has been used to discuss the accuracy of representations in literature and art since the late 1500s. While it may not roll off the tongue in everyday chats, it certainly finds its place in scholarly debates and critiques. So, the next time you find a piece of work that feels eerily real, you might just be experiencing the magic of verisimilitude!