rely

The word “rely” means to depend on someone or something; to trust that it will do what is needed. In plain terms, counting on someone or something to come through for you.

“Rely” is pronounced rih-LEYE (/ɹɪˈlaɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “rely” used in a sentence: “You can rely on her to finish the job on time.”

The opposite of “rely” — its antonyms — is stand on its own.

“Rely” is a verb.

The word “rely” comes from Latin. From Old French relier ("to fasten, bind"), from Latin religare ("to bind fast") — the same root that gives us "rely" its sense of being "tied to" something for support.

“Rely” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

The correct forms are "rely on" or "rely upon," never "rely in." "Rely" almost always takes "on" before its object, as in "rely on a friend" or "rely on the weather." "Upon" is a slightly more formal alternative with the same meaning.

The two are very close in meaning and often interchangeable. "Rely on" tends to stress trust and confidence that something will come through. "Depend on" tends to stress need, meaning you cannot manage without it.

"Trust" means to believe in someone's honesty or reliability, a feeling of confidence. "Rely" means to actually depend on someone or something for a needed outcome, an action based on that confidence. You trust a colleague, and because of that you rely on them to finish the work.

Both mean to depend on someone or something with confidence, and they are largely interchangeable. "Count on" is slightly more informal and often used in speech, as in "you can count on me." "Rely on" fits both casual and formal contexts.