rely

[ ri-lahy ]

verb (used without object)

, re·lied, re·ly·ing.

1. to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on or upon ):

   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 Words From

• misre·ly verb (used without object) misrelied misrelying

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

In a study released earlier this month, the National Retail Federation said prices on products that rely heavily on imports, such as electronics, toys, clothing, furniture, household appliances and travel goods, would likely increase.

From Salon

But the tough carbon-fluorine bonds in the compounds resist being torn apart, leading to expensive remediation schemes that rely on powerful chemicals and high temperatures and pressures.

From Science Magazine

"Nature has relied on cell density in conjunction with genetic circuits to generate the remarkable diversity of multicellular structures, tissues, and organs," said Morsut.

From Science Daily

The Legislature should pass a bill to remove mandatory work from the Penal Code that doesn’t rely on a constitutional amendment.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, staff relied on a daily, informal assessment of the resident’s presentation to determine their needs.

From BBC