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"Credible" vs. "reliable": understanding the difference

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 02/01/2025, 04:41
English.me team member
Credible and reliable. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "credible" and "reliable" describe qualities related to trustworthiness and believability. They are used to indicate that something or someone can be trusted or accepted as true.

What is different?

"Credible" refers to something that is believable or convincing, often used when discussing the believability of a claim or source. "Reliable" refers to something or someone that is dependable and consistent in performance, often used when discussing the ability to be trusted over time.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for credible) and reliable

Examples of usage

Credible
  • The journalist provided a credible report on the incident.
  • We need credible sources to support our argument.
  • Her explanation was credible enough to convince the committee.
Reliable
  • He is a reliable employee who always meets his deadlines.
  • The car is old but still very reliable.
  • For accurate information, you should consult a reliable database.

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