depend

dependverb

To depend on something is to need it, or to have what happens decided by it.

1. be decided bybe decided by something else, or change as it changes

   Usually followed by on or, more formally, upon. Before a clause beginning with a question word such as how, what, or whether, on is often left out, especially in speech.

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]

   • The price depends on the size. V + prep + obj
   • Whether we go depends on the weather. V + prep + obj
   • It depends how much time we have. V + wh (informal: without on)
   • Your grade will depend on how hard you work. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition depend on something, depend on whether, depend on how

   adverb + verb depend partly on, depend largely on, depend entirely on

2. needneed someone or something in order to live, work, or succeed

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • Young children depend on their parents for everything. V + prep + obj
   • The town depends on tourism. V + prep + obj
   • Many families here depend on the factory for work. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition depend on someone, depend on someone for something

   adverb + verb depend heavily on, depend completely on

   Synonyms rely

3. trusttrust someone or something to help you or to do what you need

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • You can depend on me. V + prep + obj
   • I'm depending on you to finish this by Friday. V + prep + obj
   • The buses here can't be depended on. V + prep + obj (passive)

   Collocations

   verb + preposition depend on someone to do something

   phrase can depend on someone, can't be depended on

   Synonyms rely; count on

   Compare trust