Depend
/dɪˈpend/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo rely on something or someone for support, help, or existence.
/dɪˈpend/
To rely on someone or something for support or help.
The success of the project depends on everyone's cooperation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a tower with blocks. The tower *depends* on the bottom blocks to stay up. It's like that: we *depend* on our parents, friends, or even a good cup of coffee to get us through the day!
👶 For kids: To need someone or something to help you or to make something happen.
More Examples
You can always depend on me to keep a secret.
His mood often depends on the weather.
How It's Used
"Children often depend on their parents for financial support."
"Economic growth depends on various factors, including investments and consumer spending."
To be determined or decided by something else; to be contingent.
/dɪˈpend/
To be contingent or conditional; to be determined or decided by something.
The availability of tickets depends on how early you arrive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're deciding what to wear. What you wear *depends* on the weather, right? If it's raining, you might choose a raincoat. So it *depends* on something else!
👶 For kids: When something is decided by something else. Like, if you're allowed to play video games *depends* on you finishing your chores.
More Examples
Their attendance depends on their work schedule.
The price depends on the market conditions.
How It's Used
"The final decision depends on the outcome of the negotiations."
"Whether you can go to the party depends on whether you finish your homework."
Idioms & expressions
depend on it
Used to emphasize that something is certain or can be relied upon.
"You can depend on it – I will be there."
From Middle English *dependen*, from Old French *dependre*, from Latin *dependēre* ('to hang down from, be dependent'), from *de-* ('down from') + *pendēre* ('to hang').
The word 'depend' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially with a broader meaning related to hanging or being suspended. Its sense of reliance and contingency evolved over time.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pend'ulum hanging - it depends on its support.