rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

intransitive verb

1

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

2

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

relier

ri-ˈlī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• calculate
• count
• depend
• lean
• reckon

Examples of rely in a Sentence

rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Forward-thinking districts are increasingly turning to formative adaptive assessments to gain these insights rather than solely relying on a single test score from an end-of-year exam. —Richard Carranza, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Rather than using a diesel engine or overhead electricity, the ultra-light rail relies on a compact, eco-friendly battery chargeable within 10 minutes and capable of running for over 20 hours straight. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

The Times’s copyright lawsuit relies on the protection granted by filings at the office. —Tekendra Parmar, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024

Or just rely on the news coverage this story has gotten. —Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie — more at ligature

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rely

• rely on/upon

Kids Definition

rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

1

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

2

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

Legal Definition

rely

intransitive verb

re·​ly

relied; relying

: to depend with confidence : place faith