Words such as “ṣadūq,” “maʾmūn,” “laysa bihi baʾs,” and “maḥalluhu al-ṣidq” can occupy an intermediate rank in more detailed grading systems. They may indicate confidence in truthfulness without necessarily assigning the very highest level of precision.
Example: a narrator described as “ṣadūq” might also have documented memory mistakes. Favorable judgment of honesty can therefore coexist with caution about retention; the particular isnād and corroborating reports still matter.
Sound transmission requires more than sincere intent: a truthful narrator may make unintentional mistakes. This is precisely why integrity and accuracy must be examined separately.