In 15 Seconds
- A plan or project that actually seems realistic and achievable.
- Used for business ideas, ambitious personal goals, or strategic moves.
- Implies the idea has been thought through and makes logical sense.
Meaning
It describes a project, business, or plan that actually makes sense and has a real chance of succeeding. It is the kind of idea that sounds believable rather than like a total pipe dream.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a friend's new business idea
Ton projet de café-librairie semble être une entreprise plausible.
Your book-cafe project seems like a plausible undertaking.
In a formal business meeting
Nous devons présenter une entreprise plausible aux investisseurs.
We must present a plausible venture to the investors.
Texting a colleague about a strategy
C'est une entreprise plausible, on fonce ?
It's a plausible plan, shall we go for it?
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the French value of 'cartésianisme' (Cartesian logic). In France, being called a dreamer isn't always a compliment; people prefer plans that are logically sound and defensible. The term has seen a resurgence with the rise of the 'Station F' startup scene in Paris, where feasibility is key.
The 'Big Plan' Nuance
Remember that 'entreprise' doesn't always mean a company with an office. It can be any big effort, like writing a book or climbing a mountain.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small idea, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be a CEO. Save it for things that actually require effort.
In 15 Seconds
- A plan or project that actually seems realistic and achievable.
- Used for business ideas, ambitious personal goals, or strategic moves.
- Implies the idea has been thought through and makes logical sense.
What It Means
Think of l'entreprise plausible as an idea that passes the 'sniff test.' It is not just any business or project. It is one that feels grounded in reality. In French, une entreprise can mean a literal company. However, it often refers to any big undertaking or ambitious plan. When you add plausible, you are saying, 'Hey, this might actually work.' It is the middle ground between a crazy fantasy and a boring certainty. It sounds professional but remains full of potential.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to validate a plan. It fits perfectly in sentences where you are weighing options. You can use it as a noun phrase to describe a startup or a new strategy. It usually follows a verb like c'est (it is) or cela semble (that seems). Just remember to keep the agreement right. If you are talking about multiple plans, it becomes des entreprises plausibles. It is a great way to sound smart without sounding like a robot.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for the office or a serious talk with friends. Use it when a colleague pitches a new marketing angle. Use it when your cousin explains how they will finally open that bakery. It works well in emails, project proposals, or even over a glass of wine. It shows you are thinking critically about the feasibility of a dream. It is especially useful in the 'startup' culture of modern France.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday tasks. If your friend says they are going to the grocery store, do not call it une entreprise plausible. That would be weirdly dramatic. Also, avoid it in very high-stakes legal documents where 'plausible' might sound too uncertain. In those cases, use viable. Finally, do not use it for things that are already guaranteed. It implies there is still a bit of a gamble involved.
Cultural Background
France has a long history of 'Grands Projets'—massive state-led undertakings. Because of this, the word entreprise carries a certain weight and dignity. In recent years, the 'French Tech' movement has popularized the idea of the entrepreneur. Calling something plausible is a very French way of being cautiously optimistic. It reflects a culture that values intellectual rigor and logic over blind enthusiasm. It is a compliment that says, 'I have analyzed this, and I approve.'
Common Variations
You might hear un projet plausible for something smaller. If the idea is even stronger, people say une entreprise viable. If it sounds like a total lie, they might sarcastically say peu plausible. You can also swap the noun for une démarche plausible if you are talking about a specific way of doing things. Each variation shifts the focus slightly, but the core idea of 'believability' remains the same.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is perfect for professional environments or serious discussions, but might feel slightly 'heavy' in very casual slang-filled conversations.
The 'Big Plan' Nuance
Remember that 'entreprise' doesn't always mean a company with an office. It can be any big effort, like writing a book or climbing a mountain.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small idea, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be a CEO. Save it for things that actually require effort.
The French 'Oui, mais...'
French people love to find flaws in plans. Calling something 'plausible' is a high compliment because it means their inner critic couldn't find a reason to say no!
Examples
6Ton projet de café-librairie semble être une entreprise plausible.
Your book-cafe project seems like a plausible undertaking.
Validating a friend's dream with a touch of logic.
Nous devons présenter une entreprise plausible aux investisseurs.
We must present a plausible venture to the investors.
Using the phrase to emphasize credibility.
C'est une entreprise plausible, on fonce ?
It's a plausible plan, shall we go for it?
Short, punchy use in a digital context.
Certes, c'est une entreprise plausible, mais les risques sont là.
Admittedly, it's a plausible undertaking, but the risks are there.
Using it to concede a point before adding a 'but'.
Cuisiner un bœuf bourguignon en 30 minutes n'est pas une entreprise plausible.
Cooking a beef bourguignon in 30 minutes is not a plausible undertaking.
Using the weight of the phrase for a humorous effect.
Crois en toi, ton plan est une entreprise plausible et réfléchie.
Believe in yourself, your plan is a plausible and well-thought-out venture.
Adding emotional support by validating the logic of their plan.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase describing a realistic plan.
Lancer ce nouveau produit est une ___ plausible.
We need the noun 'entreprise' (undertaking/venture) to match the adjective 'plausible'.
Which adjective fits best for a plan that makes sense?
Ce scénario de croissance est une entreprise ___.
'Plausible' is the adjective that describes the noun 'entreprise'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum
Talking to a sibling about a prank.
C'est pas très plausible ton truc.
Discussing a project with a friend.
C'est une entreprise plausible.
Presenting to a board of directors.
Cette entreprise plausible mérite notre attention.
Where to use L'entreprise Plausible
Startup Pitch
Convincing an angel investor.
University Project
Planning a thesis or group work.
Home Renovation
Deciding if a DIY project is doable.
Career Change
Evaluating a new job path.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesLancer ce nouveau produit est une ___ plausible.
We need the noun 'entreprise' (undertaking/venture) to match the adjective 'plausible'.
Ce scénario de croissance est une entreprise ___.
'Plausible' is the adjective that describes the noun 'entreprise'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it often means a 'venture' or 'undertaking.' For example, C'est une entreprise périlleuse means it's a dangerous undertaking.
Not quite. 'Possible' just means it could happen, while plausible means it is likely or believable based on logic.
Yes, but it sounds a bit sophisticated. It's like saying 'That sounds like a viable plan' in English.
It is feminine because entreprise is a feminine noun. So you say une entreprise plausible.
You could say une entreprise vouée à l'échec (an undertaking doomed to failure) or simply peu plausible.
No, you wouldn't call a person 'plausible.' You use it for their ideas, plans, or stories.
Yes, it's very common in management and strategy discussions in France.
Not at all. It sounds modern, professional, and intellectually sharp.
It's pronounced /plo.zibl/. The 'au' sounds like a long 'o' as in 'low'.
Yes! If someone tells a lie that is easy to believe, you can call it une explication plausible.
Related Phrases
Un projet viable
Une idée tenable
Mener à bien
Prendre des risques calculés
Une démarche cohérente
