Reliable
/rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/
Definitions
Trustworthy; consistently good in performance or quality; able to be relied on.
/rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/
Capable of being relied on or trusted.
The car is reliable and has never broken down.
💡 Simply: Someone or something you can count on to do what it's supposed to do, every time. Like your favorite coffee shop that always opens on time!
👶 For kids: If something is reliable, it means you can trust it to do what it should do. Like a good toy that never breaks!
More Examples
This data is reliable and has been verified by multiple sources.
He is a reliable source of information.
How It's Used
"A reliable employee is one who consistently meets deadlines."
"We need a reliable internet connection for the video conference."
"She's a reliable friend; you can always count on her."
From Middle English *relien* (to rely) + -able. *Relien* itself comes from Old French *relier* meaning "to bind again, tie, or connect," ultimately from Latin *religare* "to bind fast, tie up."
The term 'reliable' has been used since the 17th century, initially to describe people, and later, systems and objects.
Memory tip
Think of a "relayed" message - if it's reliable, the message gets through correctly.