depend on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb (see also depend)

1. if something depends on something else, it is directly affected or decided by that thing:
The length of time spent exercising depends on the sport you are training for.
depend on how/what/whether etc
Choosing the right bike depends on what you want to use it for.
depending on something
The expenses you claim can vary enormously, depending on travel distances involved.
► Do not say that one thing ‘is depend on’ another. Say that one thing depends on or is dependent on another.

2. to need the support, help, or existence of someone or something in order to exist, be healthy, be successful etc Synonym : rely on:
The country depends heavily on its tourist trade.
We depend entirely on donations from the public.
depend on somebody/something for something
Many women have to depend on their husbands for their state pension.
depend on somebody/something to do something
I’m depending on you to tell me everything.
depend on somebody/something doing something
We’re depending on him finishing the job by Friday.

3. to trust or have confidence in someone or something:
You can depend on Jane – she always keeps her promises.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

depend on something/somebody to need something or someone in order to exist, or be healthy, successful etc:
The island’s economy depends on tourism.
The two industries depend on each other.
Many people depend on the sport for their livelihood (=they need it in order to make money to live).
rely on something/somebody to depend on something or someone to do or provide what you need, especially because you have no choice:
In rural areas, many people rely on public transport.
She’d never wanted to rely on a man for money.
count on something to depend on something that you expect to happen:
Their government was counting on American support.
I’m counting on getting a pay rise next year.
lean on somebody to depend on someone for support and encouragement, especially at a difficult time:
We all need a good friend that we can lean on.
When her husband died, she leant on Mike for support.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲