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Which word does not share the same Latin root as rely?

rely

[ri-lahy] / rɪˈlaɪ /


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for rely?
The closest synonym for rely in many contexts is depend. Rely is often used in the verb phrase rely on, and the phrases depend on and count on often mean the same thing. Saying that you rely on a person suggests an element of confidence or trust—it means that you know you can depend on them without them letting you down. In this sense, a person or thing on which you rely can be described as reliable or dependable. Saying that an outcome relies on something means that it’s necessary for the outcome to happen, as in Our success will rely on preparation and a little bit of luck. The phrases hinge on and rest on can be used in the same way.
Are rely and support synonyms?
Rely and support are often used in the same contexts, but they aren’t synonyms. Instead, they’re more like the two different ends of the same interaction: typically, if you’re relying on someone, they’re supporting you. The support is what’s being relied on.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Kirke said fans had to rely on the cheers - or silence - from the home support during the shootout.

From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026

But they are far younger, and rely more heavily on debt to finance the chips and data centers they will need to keep growing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2026

Once in space, the crew will rely on a lunar landing system developed by either SpaceX or Blue Origin to reach the Moon's surface.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 9, 2026

The most dynamic offense in the league had to rely on its defense.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2026

She understands that when push comes to shove, literally or otherwise, that she must rely on other people being good and doing the right thing.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Turkey relies heavily on imports of oil, natural gas and coal from countries like Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan.

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026

Plus, why Apollo relies on business fundamentals and corporate culture instead of blimps and mascots.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

The process relies on calcium and phosphate ions, two essential mineral components naturally present in saliva.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026

Ippolito relies on family, close friends and other hobbies to keep him grounded when he’s not working.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

“Seeing that your safe delivery to Kiel relies upon me, sir, perhaps you should have a bit more compassion for a fellow comrade. I will remember this.”

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

Households lost light and heat, some water supplies also began to fail because they relied on electric pumps.

From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026

At least 13.7% of older Americans relied on those payments for 90% or more of their family income, a 2024 report from the Census Bureau’s Center for Economic Studies found.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026

Deep-strike attacks date back to World War II, when both sides relied on manned bombers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

However, those earlier designs operated on surfaces and relied on the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope to drive their movement.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026

Collins’s approach wasn’t “You must remember this variation of the King’s Indian Defense, which is much stronger than what you played”—rather, he relied on a kind of osmosis.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

The company has disclosed relying on 34 lobbyists this year, and it has indicated that it has lobbied on the Chip Security Act and the AI Overwatch Act.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 10, 2026

That conflict devastated Syria's economy and infrastructure and it is relying in particular on wealthy Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia to help fund the vast cost of reconstruction.

From Barron's ● Nov. 7, 2026

He says years of underinvestment have left forces relying on ageing technology, while officers are increasingly diverted from neighbourhood policing to deal with other demands, including mental health and social care.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

Instead of relying on rigid molecular connections to hold nanoparticles in carefully planned arrangements, the team developed extremely flexible connectors that bend and adjust as particles come together.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026

Nico found himself leaning against him, relying on his support.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan


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