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reliable vs. dependable

reliable vs. dependable: What's the difference?

Reliable and dependable are synonyms, but differ slightly. In particular, dependable is often used of people and their characteristics, as in She’s a dependable earner, while reliable is sometimes used more specifically to mean that the person or thing’s achievement, accuracy, or honesty can be relied upon, as in They provided reliable information.

[ ri-lahy-uh-buhl ]
adjective
  1. that may be relied on or trusted; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc.: reliable information.
[ dih-pen-duh-buhl ]
adjective
  1. capable of being depended on; worthy of trust; reliable: a dependable employee.