depends
|de-pends|
/dɪˈpɛnd/
(depend)
rely on
Etymology
'depend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dependere', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'pendere' meant 'to hang'.
'depend' changed from Old French 'dependre' and Middle English forms such as 'dependen' and eventually became the modern English word 'depend'.
Initially, it meant 'to hang down' or 'to be suspended'; over time it evolved into the modern senses of 'be determined by' and 'rely on'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to be determined or decided by (something); to be contingent on.
Whether we go to the beach depends on the weather.
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Verb 2
to rely on or need the support/help of someone or something.
She depends on her parents for financial support.
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Verb 3
used to indicate that the answer or outcome is not fixed and varies according to circumstances (informal: 'it depends').
Do you like spicy food? — It depends.
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Last updated: 2025/11/25 20:33