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Joined: Jun 2005
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stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5 |
Reliable vs. Dependable... is there any difference?
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
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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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210 |
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.
formerly known as etaoin...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 876
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 876 |
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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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
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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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1
stranger
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stranger
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1 |
@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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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,938 Likes: 3
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,938 Likes: 3 |
WELCOME TO THE 'COOL' SITE, MIRANDA
----please, draw me a sheep----
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Why, thank you, Miranda. Welcome aBoard, and I hope you stick around a while!
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,706 |
Reliable vs. Dependable... is there any difference? They are spelt differently 
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,938 Likes: 3
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,938 Likes: 3 |
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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