depend on/upon

phrasal verb

depended on/upon; depending on/upon; depends on/upon

Definition of depend on/upon

1 : to be determined or decided by (something) We're not sure if we'll have the picnic. It depends on the weather. "Will you go back to college?" "I don't know. It depends on whether or not I can afford it." The stamp's value depends on how rare it is. Depending upon your child's weight and height, she or he may have to sit in the back seat of the car.

2 : to need (someone or something) for support, help, etc. He no longer depends on his parents for money. They depend heavily/largely/solely/entirely on her income to pay the bills.

3 : to be sure about (someone or something) : to trust (someone or something) The manufacturer promises quality you can depend on. She will be remembered as a woman upon whom people could depend. —sometimes used humorously I can always depend on it to rain on days when I forget my umbrella.

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Dictionary Entries Near depend on/upon

dependingly

depend on/upon

deperdition

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Cite this Entry

“Depend on/upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depend%20on%2Fupon. Accessed 28 Jan. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA