rely

[ri-lahy]

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

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rely¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rely¹

C14: from Old French relier to fasten together, repair, from Latin religāre to tie back, from _re- + ligāre to tie

Example Sentences

“A lot of the movie relies on the chemistry between Ari and Sam, so finding the perfect combo was massively important to me,” Apatow, 27, said.

From Los Angeles Times

Another ban targets adverts on platforms linked to "extremist" organisations, in effect ending advertising on Instagram which many small businesses had relied on as a shopfront.

From BBC

Rach knows there is no way to prove that there is a link between her diagnosis and the brand of sunscreen she relied on.

From BBC

Currently, agencies such as Caltrans often rely on routine mowing to fight the flammable grasses along transportation corridors and in populated areas.

From Los Angeles Times

"Then carried on working here and now I've also now started part-time work as well so I don't rely on it as much."

From BBC