WordGarden.iotrusty
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈʌsti/
US
- /ˈtrəsti/
Meanings
Adjective
reliably useful, steady, or unlikely to fail
faithful and dependable in loyalty or support
Noun
a prison inmate given special privileges or trusted duties
Beyond the definition
Something "trusty" isn't fancy or new. It's the thing you count on. Think of an old pickup truck that always starts, a well-worn tool that never lets you down, or a friend who is always there for you. A trusty companion is someone or something you can depend on through thick and thin. The word suggests a history of reliability; it has earned its good name over time. You usually would not call a brand-new gadget "trusty" yet. It needs to prove itself first.
Think of Sherlock Holmes and his trusty friend Dr. Watson, or a knight with his trusty steed. These pairings suggest steady loyalty and dependability in the face of adventure. A trusty map will guide you home, while a bad one will not.
The word "trusty" describes something or someone that is consistently reliable, dependable, and worthy of trust. It goes beyond simply being useful; it implies a proven history of good performance and loyalty. A trusty object is not necessarily the newest or most advanced. Often, it has been tested by time and experience.
You might describe an old wrench as "trusty" if it has helped you fix many problems over the years. Or perhaps you have a "trusty" pair of boots that has carried you through many miles. The term is often used for something well-worn but still effective, suggesting strength and lasting usefulness.
However, "trusty" is not limited to objects. You can also describe people as trusty, meaning they are loyal, honest, and always there when needed. A "trusty friend" will stand by your side through good times and bad. Historically, the word also had a specific legal meaning. It could refer to a prisoner who was given certain privileges or duties because the guards considered that person reliable. While this meaning is less common today, it still reflects the core idea of earned trust and responsibility.
So, whether you are talking about tools, companions, or even historical figures, "trusty" points to something that has proven its worth through steady reliability and loyalty.
Examples
- 1
Travel gear
I still take my trusty old backpack on every trip.
- 2
Writing
She pulled out her trusty notebook and wrote down the address.
- 3
Friendship
In difficult times, he proved to be a trusty friend.
- 4
Playful self-description
As your trusty guide, I'll show you the best places to eat in town.
- Usageyour trusty ...
a slightly playful way to describe yourself as reliable
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- trusty old + noun
- my trusty
- trusty companion
- trusty steed
Word family
- trust
- trustiness
Explore
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- trustyadjectivenoun
Forms
- trustiercomparativeadjectivenoun
- trustiestsuperlativeadjectivenoun