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

These results suggest that simplifying food choices, such as relying on a set rotation of meals and keeping calorie intake steady, may help people develop habits that are easier to maintain.

From Science Daily

Researchers have proposed quantum compasses as highly accurate, "unjammable" alternatives to GPS that do not rely on satellites, and phonon lasers could help bring such concepts closer to reality.

From Science Daily

Edwards said the number of people using the food pantry is "going up month on month," with between 300 and 400 people now relying on it each month.

From BBC

In the absence of a fresh census, it has relied on sample surveys - from consumption expenditure to labour force data - with the statistics ministry working to keep them broadly representative.

From BBC

The town of 5,500 sits in a region of Michigan where the economy largely relies on manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal