trustworthy

Everyday

1. A trustworthy person is honest and reliable — you can believe what they say and depend on them to do what they promise and to keep things safe. tree →
2. A trustworthy source of information is one that is likely to be true. tree →

In the lessons

At school, being trustworthy is taught as a key value: telling the truth, keeping promises, returning what you borrow, not sharing friends' secrets that are safe to keep. In safety, children learn to find trustworthy adults (parents, teachers, police officers) when they need help, and in computing to check whether websites are trustworthy. In stories, a trustworthy friend never betrays the hero. Phrases: a trustworthy friend, trustworthy adult, trustworthy website.

Examples

• My best friend is trustworthy — she never tells my secrets. tree →
• If you get lost, ask a trustworthy adult, like a police officer or a shop worker. tree →
• The class chose a trustworthy pupil to look after the money. tree →
• Is this website trustworthy, or is it trying to trick us? tree →
• A trustworthy dog would never bite a child. tree →
• Being trustworthy means doing what you say you will do. tree →
• The knight was brave and trustworthy. tree →

Note

Adjective. Built from «trust» + «worthy» (deserving). Similar: reliable, honest, dependable. Opposite: untrustworthy. Trap: looking kind or friendly online does not make someone trustworthy; check with a grown-up you know.