Credible vs. reliable: what’s the difference?
The short answer
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.
What they have in common
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.
Examples
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.
Which one is more common?
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