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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:

Reczek’s research found that people rely on accountability and growth, intentional connection, mutual respect and emotional safety to remain in a relationship.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 26, 2026

Export controls can also be essentially irrelevant in some cases, Winter-Levy said, such as for training smaller models like those for biosecurity or missile systems, which can rely on older chips.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 26, 2026

Residents rely on portable lamps, rechargeable lights and cellphone flashlights as temperatures remain oppressive deep into the night.

From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2026

One of the group's founders pointed to the fact the documentary had to rely on a large-scale study from the US to assess and compare PCB levels in the local residents it had tested.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

He said it like a point of pride, but to me, the saying was also a warning: “Don’t rely on anything coming to save us. We’re all alone down here.”

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Giamatteo pointed to broader geopolitical uncertainty and U.S.-Canada trade tensions, noting that much of the segment relies on government contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

The stock market is booming and a large part of the US economy's expansion relies on the enormous growth - and projected profitability - of AI companies.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

The Panama Canal relies on rainwater for its complex system of locks, which lifts ships almost 90 feet above sea level onto a navigable waterway, and then lowers them at the other end.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

This type of controller relies on a dynamic mathematical model to predict how the robot will behave and determine the best sequence of actions for safely following a desired flight path.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

It relies on us to do the conquering on its behalf.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

Nike executives have also said that the company has underinvested in stores in China, relied too heavily on discounting there, and done too little to connect with consumers locally.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

Smith said his members have relied on the FDA’s leniency for 25 years, and that the era is ending.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

She felt like she relied upon Uden, and she loved him too.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

“We relied on the page, because it combined marketing, ticketing, and communications with clients and performers. To have that taken away with just a moment’s notice … I can’t even describe it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

But they relied on sight alone—all their other senses being so weak—so if they did not see him when they returned, they might leave again.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

“In the 1980s, I began going to the Dominican Republic during the winter,” he writes, “believing the game was increasingly relying on that country’s young talent.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Under new rules, winners of designated prizes at six international festivals can qualify for consideration in the International Feature Film category without relying solely on their country's official submission.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

We are relying on our church for our immediate needs.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026

Rather than relying heavily on one type of prey, they will consume almost anything they can catch underwater.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

A child of the Counter-Reformation, Descartes learned about Aristotle at the very moment when the church was relying upon his principles the most.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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