rely

American  

[ri-lahy] / rɪˈlaɪ /

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 British  

/ 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)

Etymology

Origin of rely

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

Example Sentences

Truckers often rely on fuel surcharges to cover rising fuel costs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But those price targets rely on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to start picking up—and there’s no guarantee of that right now.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

In today's agricultural systems, farmers rely on herbicides and fertilizers to manage resources, reducing the need for plants to compete directly.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

Families of severely disabled children fear a respite centre they rely on could face closure.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

She would have to rely on her sharp memory, her knowledge of insects, and her detailed notes.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman