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Definition of depend

depend

/dɪˈpɛnd/
de · pend
Adverb:dependently
•
Adjective:dependent
•
Past Simple:depended
•
Past Participle:depended
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Present Participle:depending
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depend Lexical Profile

depend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be controlled, determined, or decided by a particular condition, factor, or circumstance (usually followed by 'on' or 'upon').

Example

"The success of the outdoor festival will depend heavily on the weekend weather."

2

To rely on someone or something for financial, physical, or emotional support and survival (followed by 'on' or 'upon').

Example

"Many rural communities depend on seasonal agriculture for their primary livelihood."

3

To place trust or confidence in someone or something to act reliably or fulfill expectations (followed by 'on' or 'upon').

Example

"You can always depend on her to deliver accurate research before the deadline."

4

To hang down from an attachment point above (formal or literary).

Example

"Heavy crystal chandeliers depend from the vaulted ceiling of the historic concert hall."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for depend

• Nearby Words

departmentally
departure
departures
depend
dependability
dependable
dependableness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French dependre, from Latin dependere ('to hang from, hang down; to be derived from'), formed from de- ('down') and pendere ('to hang').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Depend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/depend
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