The reliable adjective expresses that something is presented as proof that cannot be doubted. In fact, the term reliable comes from the Latin fides, which is equivalent to faith and from facient, which means to do, so etymologically this word communicates that it is possible to attest to certain facts. In this way, a document, a test or some facts are considered as reliable when they are irrefutable, that is, there is absolute certainty about the authenticity of what it refers to.
The sense of the reliable
Concepts such as true or false are relevant in language, since through them we establish the authenticity or falsehood of any aspect of reality. For a statement to be authentic and trustworthy, some type of endorsement or guarantee is necessary to justify it, that is, it must be trustworthy and just any type of accreditation is not enough.
Suppose someone claims that there are aliens on our planet. This assertion only makes sense if it is accompanied by some probative element, reliable information that proves it.
In law
In the development of a trial it is necessary to seek the truth of the facts. In other words, there must be something to show the full validity of an accusation, for example in relation to evidence or an accusatory document. Thus, we will say that a test in a trial has the quality of being reliable when it is not doubtful or debatable.
If someone intends to sue another person, they need some kind of reliable evidence to show that the claim has a sufficient basis. Also in this sense, the lack of reliable evidence can be decisive for someone to free themselves from an accusation.
In communication
In the context of communication, it may be necessary to resort to some type of procedure that offers full guarantees as to its veracity, in order to avoid hypothetical misunderstandings. Let's imagine that a lawyer wants to communicate something to a person and needs to make sure that that person has received this information. In this circumstance it is necessary to avoid the use of documents about which there may be some doubt about their possible reception. The document that is considered the most adequate and reliable is the burofax, since there is a certification of the text, as well as a guarantee of the identity of the sender and the assurance that the receiver has received said document.
Lately, certified e-mail has also started to be used as a reliable means of communication. However, ordinary email, registered letter or fax do not have the appropriate characteristics to be classified as reliable documents.
