What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reliable
Example
I always use this brand of car because it's reliable. [reliable: adjective]
Example
The weather forecast from this website is reliable. [reliable: adjective]
Example
She is a reliable employee who always meets her deadlines. [reliable: adjective]
faithful
Example
He has been a faithful friend for many years. [faithful: adjective]
Example
The painting is a faithful reproduction of the original. [faithful: adjective]
Example
She is a faithful member of her church and attends every Sunday. [faithful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reliable is more common than faithful in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. Faithful is more specific and tends to be used in more limited contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reliable and faithful?
Both reliable and faithful are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.