Reliable vs. Trust: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 24, 2024
Reliable refers to the consistent performance and dependability of a person or thing, while trust is the confidence in someone's character and intentions. Reliability is about actions and outcomes; trust is about belief and confidence.
Key Differences
Reliable describes someone or something that consistently performs well or fulfills expectations. For instance, a reliable car starts every time and rarely breaks down. Trust, on the other hand, involves a belief in the integrity, strength, or ability of a person or thing. Trust is more about the emotional and psychological assurance you place in someone or something.
Being reliable means being dependable and consistent in actions. A reliable employee always completes tasks on time and meets expectations. Trust encompasses a broader emotional confidence in someone's character and honesty. You trust a friend because you believe they have your best interests at heart.
Reliability can be measured through observable actions and outcomes. For example, a reliable appliance functions correctly over time. Trust is more subjective, built through personal experiences and perceived integrity. You trust someone based on their past behavior and the faith you have in their intentions.
A reliable system or person is expected to deliver results consistently. Reliability is often a key factor in developing trust, but they are not the same. Trust goes deeper, involving a relational aspect where you believe in someone’s reliability, but also in their moral character and goodwill.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Consistent performance and dependability
Confidence in someone's character and intentions
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Basis
Observable actions and outcomes
Emotional and psychological assurance
Measurement
Through consistency and results
Through personal experiences and beliefs
Relationship
Reliability can build trust
Trust encompasses belief in reliability and character
Context
Practical, performance-oriented
Relational, character-oriented
Reliable and Trust Definitions
Reliable
Consistently good in quality or performance.
The reliable car started without any issues every morning.
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Trust
Reliance on the integrity and strength of a person or thing.
They had to trust the safety equipment during the climb.
Reliable
Dependable and trustworthy in actions.
She is a reliable employee who always meets her deadlines.
Trust
Firm belief in the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; confidence or reliance
Trying to gain our clients' trust.
Taking it on trust that our friend is telling the truth.
Reliable
Performing consistently well.
This washing machine is reliable and has never broken down.
Trust
The condition and resulting obligation of having confidence placed in one
Violated a public trust.
Reliable
Capable of being relied on.
He is a reliable friend who is always there when you need him.
Trust
One in which confidence is placed.
Reliable
Providing consistent results.
The reliable data helped scientists draw accurate conclusions.
Trust
Custody; care
Left her papers in my trust during her illness.
Reliable
Capable of being relied on; dependable
A reliable assistant.
A reliable car.
Trust
Something committed into the care of another; a charge
Violated a public trust.
Reliable
Yielding the same or compatible results in different clinical experiments or statistical trials.
Trust
Reliance on something in the future; hope
We have trust that the future will be better.
Reliable
Suitable or fit to be relied on; worthy of dependence, reliance or trust; dependable, trustworthy
Trust
Reliance on the intention and ability of a purchaser to pay in the future; credit
Bought the supplies on trust from a local dealer.
Reliable
Such that either a sent packet will reach its destination, even if it requires retransmission, or the sender will be told that it didn't
Trust
A legal relationship in which one party holds a title to property while another party has the entitlement to the beneficial use of that property.
Reliable
Something or someone reliable or dependable
The old reliables
Trust
The confidence reposed in a trustee when giving the trustee legal title to property to administer for another, together with the trustee's obligation regarding that property and the beneficiary.
Reliable
Suitable or fit to be relied on; worthy of dependance or reliance; trustworthy.
The best means, and most reliable pledge, of a higher object.
According to General Livingston's humorous account, his own village of Elizabethtown was not much more reliable, being peopled in those agitated times by "unknown, unrecommended strangers, guilty-looking Tories, and very knavish Whigs."
Trust
The property so held.
Reliable
Worthy of reliance or trust;
A reliable source of information
A dependable worker
Trust
An institution or organization directed by trustees
A charitable trust.
Reliable
Conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief;
An authentic account by an eyewitness
Reliable information
Trust
A combination of firms or corporations for the purpose of reducing competition and controlling prices throughout a business or industry.
Reliable
Worthy of being depended on;
A dependable worker
An honest working stiff
A reliable source of information
He was true to his word
I would be true for there are those who trust me
Trust
To have or place confidence in; depend on
Only trusted his friends.
Did not trust the strength of the thin rope.
Could not be trusted to oversee so much money.
Trust
To have confidence in allowing (someone) to use, know, or look after something
Can I trust you with a secret?.
Trust
To expect with assurance; assume
I trust that you will be on time.
Trust
To give credence to; believe
I trust what you say.
Trust
To place in the care of another person or in a situation deemed safe; entrust
"the unfortunate souls who trusted their retirement savings to the stock" (Bill Barnhart).
Trust
To extend credit to.
Trust
To have or place reliance; depend
We can only trust in our guide's knowledge of the terrain.
Trust
To be confident; hope.
Trust
Confidence in or reliance on some person or quality.
He needs to regain her trust if he is ever going to win her back.
To lose trust in someone
Build up trust
A relationship built on mutual trust
Trust
Dependence upon something in the future; hope.
Trust
Confidence in the future payment for goods or services supplied; credit.
I was out of cash, but the landlady let me have it on trust.
Trust
That which is committed or entrusted; something received in confidence; a charge.
Trust
That upon which confidence is reposed; ground of reliance; hope.
Trust
(rare) Trustworthiness, reliability.
Trust
The condition or obligation of one to whom anything is confided; responsible charge or office.
Trust
(legal) The confidence vested in a person who has legal ownership of a property to manage for the benefit of another.
I put the house into my sister's trust.
Trust
(legal) An arrangement whereby property or money is given to be held by a third party (a trustee), on the basis that it will be managed for the benefit of, or eventually transferred to, a stated beneficiary; for example, money to be given to a child when he or she reaches adulthood.
Trust
A group of businessmen or traders organised for mutual benefit to produce and distribute specific commodities or services, and managed by a central body of trustees.
Trust
(computing) Affirmation of the access rights of a user of a computer system.
Trust
(transitive) To place confidence in, to rely on, to confide in.
We cannot trust anyone who deceives us.
Trust
To have faith in; to rely on for continuing support or aid.
Trust
(transitive) To give credence to; to believe; to credit.
Trust
(transitive) To hope confidently; to believe (usually with a phrase or infinitive clause as the object)
I trust you have cleaned your room?
Trust
(transitive) to show confidence in a person by entrusting them with something.
Trust
(transitive) To commit, as to one's care; to entrust.
Trust
(transitive) To give credit to; to sell to upon credit, or in confidence of future payment.
Merchants and manufacturers trust their customers annually with goods.
Trust
To rely on (something), as though having trust (on it).
To trust to luck
Having lost the book, he had to trust to his memory for further details.
Trust
To risk; to venture confidently.
Trust
(intransitive) To have trust; to be credulous; to be won to confidence; to confide.
Trust
To sell or deliver anything in reliance upon a promise of payment; to give credit.
Trust
(obsolete) Secure, safe.
Trust
(obsolete) Faithful, dependable.
Trust
(legal) of or relating to a trust.
Trust
Assured resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship, or other sound principle, of another person; confidence; reliance; reliance.
Most take things upon trust.
Trust
Credit given; especially, delivery of property or merchandise in reliance upon future payment; exchange without immediate receipt of an equivalent; as, to sell or buy goods on trust.
Trust
Assured anticipation; dependence upon something future or contingent, as if present or actual; hope; belief.
His trust was with the Eternal to be deemedEqual in strength.
Trust
That which is committed or intrusted to one; something received in confidence; charge; deposit.
Trust
The condition or obligation of one to whom anything is confided; responsible charge or office.
[I] serve him truly that will put me in trust.
Reward them well, if they observe their trust.
Trust
That upon which confidence is reposed; ground of reliance; hope.
O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth.
Trust
An estate devised or granted in confidence that the devisee or grantee shall convey it, or dispose of the profits, at the will, or for the benefit, of another; an estate held for the use of another; a confidence respecting property reposed in one person, who is termed the trustee, for the benefit of another, who is called the cestui que trust.
Trust
An equitable right or interest in property distinct from the legal ownership thereof; a use (as it existed before the Statute of Uses); also, a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another. Trusts are active, or special, express, implied, constructive, etc. In a passive trust the trustee simply has title to the trust property, while its control and management are in the beneficiary.
Trust
A business organization or combination consisting of a number of firms or corporations operating, and often united, under an agreement creating a trust (in sense 1), esp. one formed mainly for the purpose of regulating the supply and price of commodities, etc.; often, opprobriously, a combination formed for the purpose of controlling or monopolizing a trade, industry, or business, by doing acts in restraint or trade; as, a sugar trust. A trust may take the form of a corporation or of a body of persons or corporations acting together by mutual arrangement, as under a contract or a so-called gentlemen's agreement. When it consists of corporations it may be effected by putting a majority of their stock either in the hands of a board of trustees (whence the name trust for the combination) or by transferring a majority to a holding company. The advantages of a trust are partly due to the economies made possible in carrying on a large business, as well as the doing away with competition. In the United States severe statutes against trusts have been passed by the Federal government and in many States, with elaborate statutory definitions.
Trust
Held in trust; as, trust property; trustmoney.
Trust
To place confidence in; to rely on, to confide, or repose faith, in; as, we can not trust those who have deceived us.
I will never trust his word after.
He that trusts every one without reserve will at last be deceived.
Trust
To give credence to; to believe; to credit.
Trust me, you look well.
Trust
To hope confidently; to believe; - usually with a phrase or infinitive clause as the object.
I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face.
We trustwe have a good conscience.
Trust
To show confidence in a person by intrusting (him) with something.
Whom, with your power and fortune, sir, you trust,Now to suspect is vain.
Trust
To commit, as to one's care; to intrust.
Merchants were not willing to trust precious cargoes to any custody but that of a man-of-war.
Trust
To give credit to; to sell to upon credit, or in confidence of future payment; as, merchants and manufacturers trust their customers annually with goods.
Trust
To risk; to venture confidently.
[Beguiled] by theeto trust thee from my side.
Trust
To have trust; to be credulous; to be won to confidence; to confide.
More to know could not be more to trust.
Trust
To be confident, as of something future; to hope.
I will trust and not be afraid.
Trust
To sell or deliver anything in reliance upon a promise of payment; to give credit.
It is happier sometimes to be cheated than not to trust.
Her widening streets on new foundations trust.
They trusted unto the liers in wait.
Trust
Something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary);
He is the beneficiary of a generous trust set up by his father
Trust
Certainty based on past experience;
He wrote the paper with considerable reliance on the work of other scientists
He put more trust in his own two legs than in the gun
Trust
The trait of trusting; of believing in the honesty and reliability of others;
The experience destroyed his trust and personal dignity
Trust
A consortium of independent organizations formed to limit competition by controlling the production and distribution of a product or service;
They set up the trust in the hope of gaining a monopoly
Trust
Complete confidence in a person or plan etc;
He cherished the faith of a good woman
The doctor-patient relationship is based on trust
Trust
A trustful relationship;
He took me into his confidence
He betrayed their trust
Trust
Have confidence or faith in;
We can trust in God
Rely on your friends
Bank on your good education
I swear by my grandmother's recipes
Trust
Allow without fear
Trust
Be confident about something;
I believe that he will come back from the war
Trust
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Trust
Confer a trust upon;
The messenger was entrusted with the general's secret
I commit my soul to God
Trust
Extend credit to
Trust
Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
She placed her trust in him to manage the project.
Trust
Confidence in someone's honesty and integrity.
Trust is essential in a healthy relationship.
Trust
Belief that someone or something is good and honest.
The community has trust in the new mayor's leadership.
Trust
Faith in the intentions and character of others.
It takes time to build trust in a new team member.
FAQs
How is reliability measured?
Reliability is measured through consistent performance and dependable results.
What does trust mean?
Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
What does reliable mean?
Reliable means consistently good in quality or performance and able to be depended on.
Is reliability a skill or a trait?
Reliability can be seen as both a skill (in consistently performing tasks) and a trait (as part of someone's character).
How is trust developed?
Trust is developed through personal experiences, consistent behavior, and belief in someone's integrity.
Can reliability exist without trust?
Yes, reliability can exist without trust, but trust often depends on a foundation of reliability.
Can someone be reliable but not trusted?
Yes, someone can be reliable in their actions but not trusted if their character is questionable.
Is trust a skill or a trait?
Trust is more of a relational quality, built over time through consistent and honest interactions.
Why is trust important?
Trust is important because it forms the foundation of relationships and allows for emotional and psychological assurance.
How does reliability affect relationships?
Reliability strengthens relationships by ensuring that actions are dependable and consistent.
What is a reliable person?
A reliable person consistently fulfills promises and meets expectations.
Can objects be reliable?
Yes, objects like tools, machines, or systems can be reliable if they perform consistently well.
Why is reliability important?
Reliability is important because it ensures consistent performance and dependability in actions.
Can objects be trusted?
Objects can be reliable, but trust typically refers to the belief in the integrity or character of a person.
Can you trust someone who is not reliable?
It's difficult to trust someone who is not reliable because trust often builds on consistent behavior.
How does trust affect relationships?
Trust deepens relationships by providing emotional security and confidence in each other's intentions.
Can trust exist without reliability?
Trust can exist without reliability, but it is usually weaker and more prone to being broken.
Is reliability more important than trust?
Both are important; reliability often underpins trust, but trust encompasses a broader relational context.
How do reliability and trust work together?
Reliability builds the foundation for trust, while trust includes belief in both reliability and character.
What is a trustworthy person?
A trustworthy person is honest, has integrity, and can be relied on in terms of character.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
