pålidelig

Pålitelig is a Norwegian adjective meaning that something can be trusted or depended on. It describes people, information, systems, processes or instruments that consistently perform as expected and deliver accurate results. The term signals a high degree of trustworthiness and stability in behavior or output.

Historically or etymologically, pålitelig is formed from a prefix that suggests trustworthiness and a common Norwegian adjective suffix that marks a quality. The core idea is that the subject warrants confidence and can be relied upon under normal conditions. In practice, the word covers a broad range of domains, from personal character to technical reliability.

Usage and connotations vary by context. In research and journalism, a pålitelig kilde is a source considered trustworthy and verifiable. In technology or engineering, pålitelig equipment or a pålitelig system implies consistent performance and low risk of failure. In everyday language, describing a person as pålitelig emphasizes dependability and honesty. The word is common in both formal and informal registers.

Related terms include synonyms such as troværdig or til å stole på in closely related languages, and the opposite term utpålitelig or utroværdig for something that cannot be trusted. When assessing reliability, it is important to consider evidence, consistency, and repeatability to determine whether something is truly pålitelig.