rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrelyDepend on
verb

rely

rih-LY/rɪˈlaɪ/

To depend on someone or something for help or support.

The climber relies on the partner's firmly held rope for support.

A climber leans their full weight on a rope held firmly by a partner, depending on that support to stay above a drop.
Etymology
reLatinperhaps adds emphasis
+lyLatinto bind

The underlying image is binding fast, with re- perhaps strengthening “bind.” Dependence with trust may have developed through the idea of rallying to others or falling back on them.

In context

Yi Li6:54
More than 300 employees work for us, and more than 10,000 market vendors rely on us for their daily supplies.
The Missing Piece in Climate Action (It’s Not What You Think) | Yi Li | TED
TED-Ed speaker4:08
Today, we rely on maps less and less for navigation,
Why every world map is wrong - Kayla Wolf

More examples

  • This town relies on tourism for much of its income.
  • We relied on a map to find the cabin.
  • You can rely on me to keep your secret.

Forms

rely · relies · relied · relying

reliance noun — Dependence on someone or something for support.

reliable adjective — Able to be trusted or depended on.

Similar words

depend
Often emphasizes practical need rather than confidence in help.
trust
Emphasizes confidence in others, not necessarily needing their help.