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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:

Because the catalyst does not rely on cells or enzymes, the researchers believe some of the technical challenges associated with biological treatments could be easier to overcome.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Without her coach, Dart had to largely rely on figuring things out herself - with the help of Bartoli sending over observational notes.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

Countries including France, Italy and Spain rely on pure pay-as-you-go financing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

The JSerra flag football team did not rely on the supernatural on Halloween — it simply did what it has done all season long.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2026

I had to stop for the night, and I couldn’t rely on the hope that I might find a farm or a village soon.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

Each relies on at least one well-connected local host, who invites their friends and family and is typically rewarded with a shopping credit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

Watch Duty does pull information from official sources but also relies on staff and volunteers to listen to radios, monitor satellite data and analyze announcements from emergency departments to provide additional context.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

Using measurements from Juno, researchers discovered that Jupiter relies on plasma waves with multiple frequencies to slow and heat incoming solar particles.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 29, 2026

It relies on profits from the Tuvalu Trust Fund to prop up the government budget.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026

Japanese music relies on subtle changes and exploration of timbre rather than continuous sound.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

“Developed international companies have traditionally relied on dividends” to deploy excess capital, rather than stock buybacks, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026

The statistical models relied on "the best possible data," according to the research team.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Before sponsors and a book deal, Bushby claims he was a "penniless backpacker" who relied on donations and even food discarded on roadsides to survive.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

Tehran has largely relied on an arsenal of drones and large, subsonic cruise missiles—referred to as “flying school buses” by some U.S. officials—to attack ships, U.S. officials say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

In the craziness of the burning factory, I’d done what I’d been training to do—I’d relied on my partner and cuffed the target before I’d gotten a decent look at her.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Apple raised prices on many of its offerings earlier this year, and is taking steps to offset the rising prices by relying on previously purchased inventory and cutting costs on non-memory components.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Bushby said he set off as "penniless backpacker", often relying on handouts, or occasionally being forced to eat food discarded on roadsides.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

Producers are also increasingly relying on alternative export routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

Worth Girvan supports Inside Safe but wants more permanent housing built instead of relying on interim housing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

DRACO: So now we’re relying on Muggles to find our children?

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling


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