Definition of: reliable

(ri·lī′ə·bəl) adjective
1. That may be relied upon; worthy of confidence; trustworthy.
2. Stat. Exhibiting a reasonable consistency in results obtained, as in a group of repeated tests: distinguished from valid. [<RELY + -ABLE]
—re·li′a·bil′i·ty, re·li′a·ble·ness noun
—re·li′a·bly adverb Synonyms: trustworthy, trusty. Trusty and trustworthy refer to inherent qualities of a high order, trustworthy being especially applied to persons, and denoting moral integrity and truthfulness; we speak of a trusty sword, a trustworthy man. Reliable is inferior in meaning, denoting merely the possession of such qualities as are needed for safe reliance; as, a reliable pledge, reliable information. A man is said to be reliable with reference not only to moral qualities, but to judgment, knowledge, skill, habit, or perhaps pecuniary ability. A reliable messenger is one who may be depended on to do his errand correctly and promptly; a trusty or trustworthy messenger is one who may be admitted to knowledge of the views and purposes of those who employ him.