rely
verb (used without object)
to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).
relied
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past participleof rely.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof rely.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
relyverb (used without object)to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).
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.
Since the 1950s, much of the scientific understanding of word meaning has relied on a framework developed through pioneering research by psychologist Charles Osgood and others.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026
Both were leading unconventional, isolated lives and relied on faith for solace, even joy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
The charity said the rising cost of fuel could also affect the people it relied on to keep the service running.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
Many schools relied on adjunct professors during the boom to manage the influx of computer-science students, but those schools that added tenure-track faculty could be in a tight spot.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
Britain relied on its navy to safeguard the trade routes that brought riches to the small, densely populated British Isles and helped feed the British people.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
