Depend: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'depend' when you want to express a general sense of reliance or conditionality on someone or something for support.

• I depend on my parents for financial support.
• The success of the project depends on good weather.

Use 'rely on' when you need to express a strong sense of dependence and trust, often emphasizing the reliability of someone or something.

• We rely on our team members to complete their tasks on time.
• She tends to rely heavily on her intuition.

Use 'count on' when talking about trusting or expecting someone or something to fulfill a task or duty, often in a moderately informal setting.

• You can count on me to help with the move.
• They counted on the fundraisers to meet the target.

Use 'trust' when you are emphasizing belief in someone or something's honesty, reliability, or ability, typically in a more emotional or personal context.

• I trust my best friend with my secrets.
• The public needs to trust the government to act in their best interest.

Use 'bank on' in informal contexts when you want to stress confidence in something happening or someone doing something.

• You can bank on Jane to get the job done.
• I wouldn't bank on the weather staying nice all weekend.

Used when something or someone is needed to achieve a result or to continue working properly.

• Children depend on their parents for support.
• This plan depends on every team member doing their part.

Used to talk about the state of depending on someone or something for support or help.

• There is too much reliance on technology these days.
• His reliance on medication has become a concern.

Used when talking about having confidence in someone or something, believing they are good, honest, or will not betray you.

• I trust my friend completely.
• Building trust in a relationship takes time.

Refers to the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well.

• The reliability of this device is unmatched.
• Customers choose this brand for its reliability.

Used when managing, directing, or dominating something or someone.

• She likes to control every aspect of the project.
• To keep the system running smoothly, you need to control the settings.