Depend

/dɪˈpɛnd/ · verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition [with on or upon; or (obsolete) with of].

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition [with on or upon; or (obsolete) with of]
2. (intransitive) To trust; to have confidence; to rely. [with on or upon (usually)]
3. (now literary, heraldry) To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above, especially in heraldry, where a badge, decoration, or element is suspended from another part of an achievement of arms.
4. (archaic) To be pending; to be undetermined or undecided.
5. (transitive) To cause to be contingent or dependent on; to set as a necessity.

Example Sentences

We would like to go skiing, but it depends on the amount of snow.

Gold don't carry any curse with it. It all depends on whether or not the guy who finds it is the right guy. The way I see it, gold can be as much of a blessing as a curse

we should all be able to depend on the word or assurance of our friends

we depend on the mailman to come at the usual time.

"It's another wedding present, you may depend," Dicky said—"a beastly surprise, I shouldn't wonder."

The long rows of teeth on the bulwarks glistened in the moonlight; and like the white ivory tusks of some huge elephant, vast curving icicles depended from the bows.

In the centre is an Imperial Crown, from which depend a Harp of gold and the Badge.

Bronze chandeliers with many globes depended from the low, slightly vaulted ceiling, and the fresco paintings ran flat and dull all round the walls without windows, representing scenes of the chase and of outdoor revelry in medieval costumes.

Synonyms for depend

Antonyms for depend

Related Words

Word Forms

• depends
• depending
• depended

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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