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Synonyms

depend

American  
[dih-pend] / dɪˈpɛnd /

verb (used without object)

  1. to rely; place trust (usually followed by on orupon ).

    You may depend on the accuracy of the report.

  2. to rely for support, maintenance, help, etc. (usually followed by on orupon ).

    Children depend on their parents.

  3. to be conditioned or contingent (usually followed by on orupon ).

    His success here depends upon effort and ability.

  4. to be undetermined or pending.

    I may go to Europe or I may not, it all depends.

  5. Grammar. (of a word or other linguistic form) to be subordinate to another linguistic form in the same construction; to form a part of a construction other than the head.

  6. to hang down; be suspended (usually followed byfrom ).

    The chandelier depends from the ceiling of the ballroom.


depend British  
/ dɪˈpɛnd /

verb

  1. to put trust (in); rely (on); be sure (of)

  2. to be influenced or determined (by); be resultant (from)

    whether you come or not depends on what father says

    it all depends on you

  3. to rely (on) for income, support, etc

  4. rare (foll by from) to hang down; be suspended

  5. to be undecided or pending

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • interdepend verb (used without object)
  • redepend verb (used without object)
  • self-depending adjective

Etymology

Origin of depend

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English dependen, from Old French dependre, from Latin dēpendere “to hang down,” from dē- de- + pendere “to hang”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The limits vary depending on the tax break, but in all cases, the income limits refer to your “modified adjusted gross income.”

From MarketWatch

The choice depends, I’d say, on how well you know the books and where you plan to do your listening.

From The Wall Street Journal

When rates will fall is uncertain, however, and will depend on upcoming data.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also raised prices by 10% and up, depending on the product.

From The Wall Street Journal

As more discoveries emerge, scientists will be able to compare ecosystems across different regions and time periods, deepening knowledge of how ancient oceans influenced the modern seas we depend on today.

From Science Daily