Reading Theme:
Depend On: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：rely on (depend on)
depend on
/dɪˈpend ɒn/
phr. v.
To need someone or something for help, support, or in order to work properly.
rely on
➕
/rɪˈlaɪ ɒn/
phr. v.
To need someone or something for support, help, or to function properly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'dependere' (de- 'down' + pendere 'to hang'); 'on' as a preposition.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a lamp hanging (pend-) from the ceiling; it depends on the wire for power.
📖 Example
For her science project, Mia had to depend on her parents to help her build the model volcano.
For her science project, Mia had to depend on her parents to help her build the model volcano.
🔗 Collocations
depend on someone – to rely on a person for help
depend on something – to need a thing for a purpose
depend heavily on – to require something to a great extent
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
be independent (adj. phr.) – not needing support from others
self-sufficient (adj.) – able to provide for oneself without help
🌱 Derivatives
dependent (adj.) – relying on someone or something
dependence (n.) – the state of relying on someone or something
dependability (n.) – the quality of being reliable
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'dependere' meaning to hang down; used in feudal times for peasants relying on lords. Entered English via French and is now common in everyday contexts like weather or support.
Meaning 2：be contingent on (depend on)
depend on
/dɪˈpend ɒn/
phr. v.
To be decided or influenced by something else.
be contingent on
➕
/biː kənˈtɪndʒənt ɒn/
phr. v.
To be decided or influenced by a particular factor or circumstance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Whether we go for a picnic this weekend depends on the weather forecast.
Whether we go for a picnic this weekend depends on the weather forecast.
🔗 Collocations
depend on the weather – to be determined by weather conditions
depend on the outcome – to be contingent on a result
depend on availability – to rely on whether something is available
🔄 Synonyms
hinge on (phr. v.) – to depend entirely on a particular factor
rest on (phr. v.) – to be based on or determined by something
be determined by (passive phr.) – to be decided by something
🚫 Antonyms
be independent of (phr.) – not influenced by something
be unconditional (adj.) – not subject to any conditions
🌱 Derivatives
dependent (adj.) – determined by something else
dependence (n.) – the state of being contingent
interdependence (n.) – mutual dependence between things
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