Verisimilitude

Verisimilitude refers to the appearance of being true or real; the quality of seeming to be real, probable, or likely. It's the extent to which a narrative, a representation, or a depiction mimics the 'real world'. It focuses on the believability of a story, character, or artwork, even if the subject matter is fantastical. This involves a careful construction of details, situations, and behaviors that resonate with the audience's understanding of how things are, or might be. Achieving verisimilitude often means balancing the imaginative elements with grounded, relatable components.

Verisimilitude meaning with examples

• The author's descriptions of 19th-century London, complete with detailed accounts of social customs and economic disparities, lent the novel a powerful sense of verisimilitude, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the era. This realistic backdrop made the fantastical elements, like the ghostly apparitions, all the more unsettling.
• The detective series gained popularity not just for the intricate plot, but also for the verisimilitude of the police procedures and character interactions. The writers meticulously researched real-life crime investigations, creating a believable representation of the daily challenges and pressures of law enforcement.
• The artist's skillful use of light and shadow, coupled with realistic depictions of human anatomy, helped to enhance the verisimilitude of the portrait. The viewer could almost feel the texture of the skin and the emotion conveyed in the subject's eyes, adding to the painting’s authenticity.
• While the science fiction film depicted futuristic technology, the filmmakers focused on grounding the characters and their motivations in relatable human experiences to create a strong sense of verisimilitude. This helped make the complex plot easier to follow.