Trustable vs. Trusted — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Trustable emphasizes potential reliability, suggesting suitability for trust, while trusted confirms established trust from past reliability.
Difference Between Trustable and Trusted
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Trustable often implies that something or someone has characteristics that make them appear reliable, even without prior proof. On the other hand, trusted refers to entities that have already been proven reliable through previous interactions or experiences.
Trustable is used to describe potential or theoretical reliability. Whereas, trusted is specifically used when there is historical evidence or experience backing up the reliability.
Trustable carries a more speculative tone, indicating that trust can be placed but hasn't necessarily been tested. On the other hand, trusted is definitive, indicating that trust has been placed and justified.
The use of trustable can be more common in discussing concepts or new entities where there is no history of interaction. Conversely, trusted is often used in contexts involving established relationships, whether personal or professional.
When someone says a tool or person is trustable, they are often making a judgment based on perceived qualities or reputation. In contrast, calling someone trusted usually means their actions or services have consistently proven trustworthy.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Potentially reliable
Proven to be reliable
Usage
Speculative
Confirmatory
Context
New or theoretical
Established or experiential
Reliability
Assumed but untested
Demonstrated and confirmed
Emotional Tone
Hopeful or anticipatory
Secure or confident
Compare with Definitions
Trustable
Considered reliable without prior testing.
The candidate is trustable for the job based on her impressive credentials.
Trusted
Having proven oneself reliable.
He is a trusted member of the team, always delivering on time.
Trustable
Susceptible to being trusted by others.
Their proposal is trustable, but further verification is needed.
Trusted
Relied upon based on past performance.
This software is trusted by millions for data encryption.
Trustable
Judged capable of being trusted.
He is trustable enough to handle this sensitive information.
Trusted
Considered dependable after evidence.
She is a trusted advisor to many leading executives.
Trustable
Worthy of trust based on qualities or potential.
The new app seems trustable due to its robust security features.
Trusted
Confidently relied upon.
His advice is always trusted due to his expertise.
Trustable
Having attributes that inspire trust.
Her calm demeanor makes her trustable in crises.
Trusted
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.
Trustable
Capable of being trusted; trustworthy.
Trusted
The condition and resulting obligation of having confidence placed in one
Violated a public trust.
Trusted
One in which confidence is placed.
Trusted
Custody; care
Left her papers in my trust during her illness.
Trusted
Something committed into the care of another; a charge
Violated a public trust.
Trusted
Reliance on something in the future; hope
We have trust that the future will be better.
Trusted
Reliance on the intention and ability of a purchaser to pay in the future; credit
Bought the supplies on trust from a local dealer.
Trusted
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.
Trusted
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.
Trusted
The property so held.
Trusted
An institution or organization directed by trustees
A charitable trust.
Trusted
A combination of firms or corporations for the purpose of reducing competition and controlling prices throughout a business or industry.
Trusted
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.
Trusted
To have confidence in allowing (someone) to use, know, or look after something
Can I trust you with a secret?.
Trusted
To expect with assurance; assume
I trust that you will be on time.
Trusted
To give credence to; believe
I trust what you say.
Trusted
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).
Trusted
To extend credit to.
Trusted
To have or place reliance; depend
We can only trust in our guide's knowledge of the terrain.
Trusted
To be confident; hope.
Trusted
Simple past tense and past participle of trust
Trusted
Reliable
Trusted
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence;
A sure (or trusted) friend
Trusted
Established as worthy of trust.
Trusted tools are essential for critical repairs.
Common Curiosities
What makes someone trusted?
Consistent demonstration of reliability and fulfilling expectations make someone trusted.
What does trustable imply about a person or tool?
Trustable suggests potential reliability based on qualities or reputation, without prior testing.
Why might someone use 'trustable' instead of 'trusted'?
'Trustable' is used when assessing potential reliability without prior experience or evidence.
What are typical contexts for using trustable?
Describing new technologies, proposals, or partnerships where past performance is not applicable.
How does trusted differ from trustable in practical terms?
Trusted indicates a proven track record of reliability, unlike trustable, which is more about potential.
Is trusted used only in personal relationships?
No, 'trusted' is used in various contexts, including business, technology, and personal relationships.
What are the risks of trusting something merely trustable?
There is a risk of disappointment if the trust placed is not upheld due to untested reliability.
What is the relationship between trustable and credibility?
Trustable relates to perceived potential for reliability, which contributes to overall credibility.
Can something be trustable but not trusted?
Yes, something can be considered trustable based on attributes but not yet trusted due to lack of interaction or evidence.
Is it better to be trustable or trusted?
Being trusted is generally seen as superior, as it is based on proven reliability rather than potential alone.
Can trusted status change over time?
Yes, if a trusted person or tool fails to maintain reliability, they can lose their trusted status.
How does one earn the label of being trusted?
Through consistent and reliable actions over time that build a reputation of dependability.
Can a product be both trustable and trusted?
Yes, a product can be seen as trustable due to its design and trusted if it has a history of reliable performance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
