verb
rely
rih-LEYE
verb
1
To depend on someone or something; to trust that it will do what is needed.
"You can rely on her to finish the job on time."
"The village relies on rainfall for its water supply."
How to Use Rely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCounting on someone or something to come through for you.
Common mistake
Always followed by "on" or "upon" — you rely ON someone, not just "rely someone."
Common pairings
rely on
rely heavily on
rely upon
Word Forms
relied past tense, relies singular
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Etymology
From Old French relier ("to fasten, bind"), from Latin religare ("to bind fast") — the same root that gives us "rely" its sense of being "tied to" something for support.