dependably
/dɪˈpen.də.bli/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈpen.də.bli/ (ame, ipa) · /-blē -li/ (ame, mw)
dependably — adverb
1. so that the same expected result happens every time, allowing other people to co
so that the same expected result happens every time, allowing other people to count on you, it, or the action.
Tara's old Toyota has dependably started every winter morning for the past twelve years.
modifies a verb of repeated action over time
The hospital generator dependably switches on within three seconds of a power cut.
describes a machine performing a critical safety function
Femi answers customer emails dependably, usually within an hour of receiving them.
The cherry trees along the river bloom dependably during the first week of April.
Naoko delivers the morning newspapers dependably, even during heavy snowstorms.
- reliably
most common everyday synonym; interchangeable in nearly all contexts
- consistently
focuses on the pattern of sameness rather than on being trusted
- faithfully
adds a sense of loyalty or duty, often used of people keeping promises
- unreliably
direct opposite; suggests irregular or unpredictable performance
- erratically
stronger; implies sudden, unpredictable changes
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person, machine, or recurring event whose performance is being judged across many occasions; rarely modifies a one-off action.