reliable

The word "reliable" is built upon the earlier verb "rely", which entered English from Old French relier, itself from Latin religāre meaning "to bind fasten, or moor". The Latin components are re- (expressing intensive force, "back" or "again") and ligāre ("to bind"). The literal sense was one of being securely tied back to a source of support or stability. By the 16th century, "rely" had developed the figurative meaning of placing one's trust or confidence in someone or something, as if being bound to them for security. The adjective "reliable" was formed in the mid-17th century by adding the productive suffix "-able" to this verb, creating the sense of "capable of being relied upon" or "worthy of trust", a quality of steadfast dependability.

Structure: re (again) + li (bind) + able (capable of) - re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". - li: From the Latin verb ligāre, meaning "to bind". This root appears in the English spelling as part of the verb "rely". - able: From Latin -ābilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, or worthy of".