rely on — to depend on or trust someone or something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to depend on or trust someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈlaɪ ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother still relies on her flip phone from 2005.
- Students rely on Google Translate more than their dictionaries.
- We rely on renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
rely on
VERB[/rɪˈlaɪ ɑːn/]
to depend on or trust someone or something
The little boy relied on his father to help him cross the river.
The tired hiker relied on his friend and leaned on his shoulder. (LEAN ON = RELY ON → if you can lean on someone, you can rely on them)
When things go wrong, we rely on the strong. Stand side by side, and together move on.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'relier' meaning 'to bind together,' derived from Latin 'religare' (re- 'again' + ligare 'to bind'). The word evolved to mean 'to depend on' through the metaphorical sense of being bound to or connected with something.
Breakdown
re- (again) + ly (from Old French lier, to bind) + on (preposition indicating object of dependence) = rely on (to depend on or trust)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother still relies on her flip phone from 2005.”
“Students rely on Google Translate more than their dictionaries.”
“We rely on renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.”
“You can always rely on Murphy's Law to kick in at the worst moment.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.