Depend: meaning, definitions and examples
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depend
[dɪˈpɛnd ]
Definitions
on someone or something
to rely on or trust someone or something in order to be successful or to function properly. To be influenced or determined by someone or something.
Synonyms
bank on, count on, rely on, trust.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| depend |
Use 'depend' when you want to express a general sense of reliance or conditionality on someone or something for support.
|
| rely on |
Use 'rely on' when you need to express a strong sense of dependence and trust, often emphasizing the reliability of someone or something.
|
| count on |
Use 'count on' when talking about trusting or expecting someone or something to fulfill a task or duty, often in a moderately informal setting.
|
| trust |
Use 'trust' when you are emphasizing belief in someone or something's honesty, reliability, or ability, typically in a more emotional or personal context.
|
| bank on |
Use 'bank on' in informal contexts when you want to stress confidence in something happening or someone doing something.
|
Examples of usage
- I depend on my family for emotional support.
- The success of the project depends on the cooperation of all team members.
- Our travel plans depend on the weather forecast.
on someone or something
the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something. The state of being influenced or determined by external factors.
Synonyms
control, reliability, reliance, trust.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| depend |
Used when something or someone is needed to achieve a result or to continue working properly.
|
| reliance |
Used to talk about the state of depending on someone or something for support or help.
|
| trust |
Used when talking about having confidence in someone or something, believing they are good, honest, or will not betray you.
|
| reliability |
Refers to the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well.
|
| control |
Used when managing, directing, or dominating something or someone.
|
Examples of usage
- Our relationship is based on mutual depend.
- The company's success is in large part due to its depend on cutting-edge technology.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'dependere,' meaning 'to hang from,' which implies relying on something above you for support.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'dependen,' showing how that reliance concept has been around for centuries.
Psychology
- People often depend on routines for a sense of security and stability in their daily lives.
- Dependency can affect emotional well-being; too much reliance on others can lead to anxiety if those others are unavailable.
Social Dynamics
- In healthy relationships, mutual dependence is common, where both people rely on each other for support and companionship.
- Cultural factors can influence how people view dependence, with some societies valuing independence more than others.
Science
- In ecosystems, species often depend on one another for survival; for example, bees depend on flowers for nectar, while flowers depend on bees for pollination.
- In technology, software often depends on various libraries and frameworks to function effectively.
Literature
- Literary characters often face dilemmas involving reliance, such as protagonists needing to choose between independence and support from friends.
- 'Dependency theory' in literature examines how characters' fates are linked to their relationships with others.
Translations
Translations of the word "depend" in other languages:
🇵🇹 depender
🇮🇳 निर्भर करना
🇩🇪 abhängen
🇮🇩 bergantung
🇺🇦 залежати
🇵🇱 zależeć
🇯🇵 依存する
🇫🇷 dépendre
🇪🇸 depender
🇹🇷 bağlı olmak
🇰🇷 의존하다
🇸🇦 يعتمد
🇨🇿 záviset
🇸🇰 závisieť
🇨🇳 依赖
🇸🇮 odviseti
🇮🇸 vera háður
🇰🇿 тәуелді болу
🇬🇪 დამოკიდებული
🇦🇿 asılı olmaq
🇲🇽 depender