Rely

As a Verb

1. To depend on someone or something for support, help, or trust.
2. To have confidence in something being true or effective.

As Other Form

• Reliance (Noun): The state of depending on or trusting in something.
• Reliable (Adjective): Consistently trustworthy or dependable.

Word History

The word rely comes from the Old French relier, meaning “to bind or connect,” which itself comes from the Latin religare (“to tie back” or “fasten”). Over time, it evolved to mean depending on something or someone with confidence.

Examples

1. You can always rely on him for good advice.
2. Farmers rely on the weather for a good harvest.
3. She relies on public transportation to get to work.
4. We relied on old maps to find the hidden trail.

Synonyms

Depend, trust, count on, lean on, bank on

Related Words

Confidence, faith, support, assurance, security

Antonyms

Distrust, doubt, ignore, disregard, independence