What is the key characteristic of trustworthiness in terms of a source?

The key characteristic of trustworthiness in terms of a source is that it is universally accepted. Trustworthiness often indicates that the source is generally recognized by the relevant community or discipline as credible and reliable. This universal acceptance may arise from the source's history of accuracy, reputation, and adherence to established standards of scholarship or reporting.

In assessing a source's trustworthiness, it is essential to consider how widely it is regarded as reliable by experts in the field or by the public at large. A source may provide well-researched, detailed information, but if it lacks acceptance among its peers, its trustworthiness can be undermined. Therefore, while aspects like subjectivity, verifiability, and the extent of research contribute to evaluating a source, it is the universal acceptance that fundamentally defines its trustworthiness.