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#190417 04/13/10 09:22 AM
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Reliable vs. Dependable... is there any difference?

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Carpal Tunnel
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I think you'll find that while many people may agree that there is a difference, you'll find few agree on what that difference is.

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the distinction that I (usually) make is that reliable is more about machinery and dependable is more about people. but I often use reliable for people, too, but I don't often say machinery is dependable, though it could be, of course.


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old hand
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I see them as synonyms, just like rely and depend. The etymology is not similar, but to me they are equal. I would use either one for people, machinery, weather or whatever. I have a dependable vehicle and a reliable husband (usually...). Since they are the same to me, I can't say what the difference would be.

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To me, reliable is slightly "higher". That is, I would rather have a friend or a car that is reliable than dependable; I think reliable is a degree or two closer to certainty.

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@Jackie, I agree with you. Out of curiosity I searched for these words and found two things. This cool Wordsmith site, and that someone other than me feels there is a difference in these two words. I couldn't have explained them better, but I too feel that reliable is a step closer to certainty than dependable.

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WELCOME TO THE 'COOL' SITE, MIRANDA


----please, draw me a sheep----
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Why, thank you, Miranda. Welcome aBoard, and I hope you stick around a while!

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Pooh-Bah
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Originally Posted By: tcolling
Reliable vs. Dependable... is there any difference?


They are spelt differently wink

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To me reliable means that they may not be in some cases,
dependable means 'you can count on it'. Perhaps just
six of one and half-dozen of another.


----please, draw me a sheep----
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