DictionaryAI

depend

verb
di-PEND/dɪˈpɛnd/

Formsdepends, depending, depended

5 meanings of depend

Practice

  1. 1
    hinge onverbintransitive
    To be decided or controlled by something else, or possible only if a particular condition is met.

    Like a light that only turns on when you flip the switch.

    Whether we go to the park will depend on the weather.

    Our plans depend on how much money we save.

    UsageSay depend on (not incorrect: depend of). It depends can be a whole answer.

    Similarride, pivot

    Note
  2. 2
    trustverbintransitive
    To trust someone or something to do or provide what you need.

    Like leaning on a strong wall that holds you up.

    You can depend on me to keep your secret.

    Children depend on their parents for food and care.

    UsageSay depend on someone for help, or depend on someone to do something.

    Similarrely, count, lean, bank

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To make one thing rely on another, setting the second as a required condition.
    There he wilted, obviously depending the disposal of his person and his plight on Bradly, and expecting that to be done at once, too.
    1938, Norman Lindsay, Age of ConsentHere, depending means leaving his fate to rely on what Bradly would do.
    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    hang downverbliteraryintransitive
    To hang down from something higher that holds it up.

    Like fruit hanging from a tree branch.

    Two brass lamps depend from the low ceiling of the old inn.

    A single lantern depended from a chain above the door.

    UsageUsually said as depend from: a lamp depends from the ceiling, so it hangs from it.

    Similarhang, dangle

    Note
  2. 5
    not yet settledverbarchaic
    To still be waiting to be settled or decided.
    In perjury, the capias, warrant, and affidavit, are good evidence that a cause was depending.
    1836, Reports of Cases Adjudged in the Court of King's BenchHere, depending means still waiting to be settled or decided.
    "A Letter of the King sent to his Proctors at Rome, concerning a Case of his in the said Court depending."
    1837, The Acts and Monuments of John Foxe
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from Latin, made of dē- plus pendeō meaning "to hang." English got it through Old French.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 4 facts