rely

[ri-lahy]

verb (used without object)

relied, relying 

1. to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).

   You can rely on her work.

   Synonyms: bank, count, trust

rely

/ rɪˈlaɪ /

verb

1. to be dependent (on)

   he relies on his charm

2. to have trust or confidence (in)

   you can rely on us

Other Word Forms

• misrely verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rely¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English relien, from Middle French relier, from Latin religāre “to bind fast, hold firmly”; re-, ligament

Word History and Origins

Origin of rely¹

C14: from Old French relier to fasten together, repair, from Latin religāre to tie back, from _re- + ligāre to tie

Example Sentences

In the 1990s, early gene therapy efforts relied on inserting new genes into cells using modified viruses.

Read more on Science Daily

On the roadside, a young woman selling sweet doughnuts tells the BBC she earns $2.30 a week, money she relies on to feed her four-year-old child.

Read more on BBC

The consumer-price index is a crucial data component relied on by investors, policymakers and the Federal Reserve, which uses it to weigh decisions on interest rates.

Read more on MarketWatch

The legislation aims to curb Big Tech’s market dominance, and benefit businesses that rely on their search engines and app stores to make money.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She felt relying heavily on AI to source investment opportunities could kill the serendipity of scouting for deals, which can uncover talented entrepreneurs in unsuspecting ways.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal