Definition of Depend
Quick Meaning of Depend
To need someone or something to help you, or to trust that someone will do what they promise.
Detailed Definition of Depend
To rely on someone or something; to need someone or something in order to succeed or survive.
How to Pronounce Depend
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable (pend). The past tense uses a schwa in the -ed ending: /dɪˈpɛndəd/.
Watch out: Some learners add an extra syllable: /dɪˈpɛndɪd/ instead of /dɪˈpɛndəd/ for past tense.
Origin and Etymology of Depend
From Latin dependere (hang down, be pending).
How to Use Depend in a Sentence
Each example shows “depend” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Children depend on their parents for food and shelter.”
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“The success of the project depends on good teamwork.”
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“I depend on my alarm clock to wake up on time.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Depend
Common Synonyms for Depend
Smart Synonyms for Depend — When to Use Each
- rely on
- when emphasizing trust in someone's reliability
- count on
- for casual speech and informal contexts
- need
- when the dependency is absolute and necessary
Antonyms of Depend
Common Collocations with Depend
These phrases pair with “depend” in everyday English:
- depend on someone
- depend on whether
- it depends
- depend heavily on
- emotionally dependent
Common Mistakes When Using Depend
Even fluent speakers slip up with “depend”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: It depends of the weather.
- ✓ Correct: It depends on the weather.
- Why: Always use 'on' after depend, not 'of'.
- ✗ Wrong: I depend my parents for money.
- ✓ Correct: I depend on my parents for money.
- Why: Use the preposition 'on' between depend and the object.
Words Confused With Depend
- Depend vs Depend: Depend + on (not depend + for or depend + of)
Other Forms of Depend
- Noun: dependence
- Verb: depend
- Adjective: dependent
- Adverb: dependently
Frequently Asked Questions About Depend
What is the meaning of "Depend"?
To need someone or something to help you, or to trust that someone will do what they promise.
How do you pronounce "Depend"?
The IPA is /dɪˈpɛnd/. Stress the second syllable (pend). The past tense uses a schwa in the -ed ending: /dɪˈpɛndəd/.
What part of speech is "Depend"?
"Depend" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Depend"?
Common synonyms include rely on, trust, need.
How do you use "Depend" in a sentence?
For example: "Children depend on their parents for food and shelter."