Reading Theme:
Depend: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：be determined by (depend)
depend
/dɪˈpend/
vi.
To be decided by or controlled by something else.
be determined by
➕
/bi dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd baɪ/
vi.
To have your outcome, state, or existence directly influenced or decided by another factor or set of conditions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'dependēre' (de- 'down' + pendēre 'to hang').
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a pendant (which hangs) that DEPENDs on its chain. No chain, no pendant.
📖 Example
Whether we have a picnic tomorrow depends entirely on the weather.
The possibility of our picnic is contingent on the weather conditions.
🔗 Collocations
depend on/upon something – To be decided or controlled by something.
that depends – Used to say that the answer to a question will vary based on other factors.
it depends – A common expression indicating that the answer is not fixed and relies on circumstances.
🔄 Synonyms
hinge on (phr. v.) – To be contingent or critically dependent on a single factor.
be contingent on (phr. v.) – To be true or happen only if something else is true or happens first.
rest on (phr. v.) – To be based on or determined by a particular thing.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
dependence (n.) – The state of being influenced or decided by something else.
dependency (n.) – A thing that is reliant on another, often used in computing (software dependency).
📖 Cultural Story
Etymologically, 'depend' comes from Latin 'dependēre', literally 'to hang down from'. This image of physical suspension evolved into the abstract sense of 'being conditioned or contingent upon something else', much like how a hanging object relies on its support.
Meaning 2：rely on (depend)
depend
/dɪˈpend/
vi.
To need someone or something for support, help, or in order to live or work.
rely on
➕
/rɪˈlaɪ ɒn/
vi.
To require the support, assistance, or resources of another person or thing for proper function, survival, or success.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Young children depend on their parents for food, safety, and love.
Young children rely on their parents to provide nourishment, protection, and affection.
🔗 Collocations
depend on someone for something – To rely on a specific person to provide something you need.
be dependent on – The adjectival form describing a state of needing support.
financially depend on – To rely on someone for money and economic support.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
dependent (n./adj.) – A person who relies on another for support; or, needing someone/something.
independence (n.) – The state of not being controlled or reliant on others.
Meaning 3：count on (depend)
depend
/dɪˈpend/
vi.
To trust someone or something to do what you need or expect.
count on
➕
/kaʊnt ɒn/
vi.
To have confidence and trust in someone's reliability, ability, or commitment to act as expected or promised.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
You can always depend on my best friend to keep a secret.
You can consistently trust my best friend to maintain confidentiality.
🔗 Collocations
depend on someone to do something – To trust that a person will perform a specific action.
can depend on – Emphasizes the reliability and trustworthiness of someone.
dependable – Trustworthy and reliable.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
dependable (adj.) – Able to be relied on consistently.
dependability (n.) – The quality of being trustworthy and reliable.
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