Able to be trusted to do what is needed or expected; reliable.
From *depend* plus the suffix *-able*, meaning 'able to be depended on'. *Depend* comes from Latin *dependere* ('to hang from'), suggesting something that can be safely hung upon.
The image behind 'dependable' is surprisingly physical—something you can literally 'hang' your weight on. Calling a person dependable is like saying they’re a strong hook in the wall: you can safely rely on them.
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