What does "depend" mean?
To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition
Depend
/dɪˈpɛnd/ verb
verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition
- Grammar: depend is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: rely, addicted, all depend, bag.
- Useful contrasts: detox, independent replicate, work independently.
- Usage evidence: You mustn't depend on others for help.
How to use "depend"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "depend" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "depend" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "depend" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "depend" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "depend" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "rely" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "depend", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition intransitive
"We would like to go skiing, but it depends on the amount of snow."
- 2 have faith or confidence in wordnet
- 3 To trust; to have confidence; to rely. intransitive, usually
"we should all be able to depend on the word or assurance of our friends"
- 4 be contingent upon (something that is elided) wordnet
- 5 To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above, especially in heraldry, where a badge, decoration, or element is suspended from another part of an achievement of arms. literary
"The long rows of teeth on the bulwarks glistened in the moonlight; and like the white ivory tusks of some huge elephant, vast curving icicles depended from the bows."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To be pending; to be undetermined or undecided. archaic
"a cause depending in court"
- 7 To cause to be contingent or dependent on; to set as a necessity. transitive
"There he wilted, obviously depending the disposal of his person and his plight on Bradly, and expecting that to be done at once, too."
Example
"You mustn't depend on others for help."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "depend"?
Common synonyms include: rely, addicted, all depend, bag, bank, bank.
How do you use "depend" in a sentence?
You mustn't depend on others for help.
How do you pronounce "depend"?
Pronounced /dɪˈpɛnd/.
Etymology
From Middle English dependen, from Old French dependre and Latin dependeō, from Latin dē- + pendeō (“to hang”). In this sense, displaced native Old English hangian (“to hang or depend”).