verb

depend

dih-PEND/dɪˈpend/

To rely on something as a necessary condition or support.

With her leg in a cast, she depends on crutches.

A woman with one leg in a cast relies on two crutches to move: her injured foot stays off the ground while her hands and arms visibly bear her weight through the crutches.

Etymology

Literally, the pieces mean “hang from”: something hanging is sustained by what it is attached to. That image extends to relying on someone or something for support or an outcome.

In context

Premier Orthodontics0:28

but how we fix the overbite will depend on how severe the bite problem is and also the age of the patient

How Do BRACES FIX Overbites? | Overbite Before and After Braces | Premier Orthodontics

More examples

Many families depend on the food bank for groceries.
Our picnic plans depend on the weather.
The price depends on how many tickets you buy.

Forms

depend · depends · depended · depending

dependence noun — The need for outside help or support.

dependent adjective — Needing someone or something for support.

Similar words

rely: Rely emphasizes trust or support rather than a determining condition.
hinge: Hinge emphasizes a decisive condition rather than ongoing support.