Question

read the dictionary entry for reliable.
reliable \
i-ˈlī-ə-bəl\\ adj

1. certain 2. predictable
2. time - tested 4. dependable

which definition most closely matches the meaning of reliable as used in paragraph b?
a definition 1
b definition 2
c definition 3
d definition 4

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the definitions:

• Definition 1 ("certain") implies sureness, not reliability.
• Definition 2 ("predictable") focuses on being foreseeable, not reliability.
• Definition 3 ("time - tested") emphasizes being proven over time, not the core of reliability.
• Definition 4 ("dependable") means able to be relied on, which is the standard meaning of "reliable".

Answer:

D. Definition 4