de‧pend S1 W2 / dɪpend / 动词

it/that depends spoken used to say that you cannot give a definite answer to something because your answer will be affected by something else :

‘How long are you staying?’ ‘I don’t know; it depends.’

it depends who/what/how/whether etc

You may take several months to reach your target weight – it depends how much you want to lose.

THESAURUS

depend on something/somebody to need something or someone in order to exist, or be healthy, successful etc : The island’s economy depends on tourism. | The two industries depend on each other. | Many people depend on the sport for their livelihood (= they need it in order to make money to live ) .

rely on something/somebody to depend on something or someone to do or provide what you need, especially because you have no choice : In rural areas, many people rely on public transport. | She’d never wanted to rely on a man for money.

count on something to depend on something that you expect to happen : Their government was counting on American support. | I’m counting on getting a pay rise next year.

lean on somebody to depend on someone for support and encouragement, especially at a difficult time : We all need a good friend that we can lean on. | When her husband died, she leant on Mike for support.

depend on/upon somebody/something 短语动词

1 if something depends on something else, it is directly affected or decided by that thing :

The length of time spent exercising depends on the sport you are training for.

depend on how/what/whether etc

Choosing the right bike depends on what you want to use it for.

depending on something

The expenses you claim can vary enormously, depending on travel distances involved. ► Do not say that one thing ‘is depend on’ another. Say that one thing depends on or is dependent on another.

2 to need the support, help, or existence of someone or something in order to exist, be healthy, be successful etc 同义词 rely on :

The country depends heavily on its tourist trade.

We depend entirely on donations from the public.

depend on somebody/something for something

Many women have to depend on their husbands for their state pension.

depend on somebody/something to do something

I’m depending on you to tell me everything.

depend on somebody/something doing something

We’re depending on him finishing the job by Friday.

3 to trust or have confidence in someone or something :

You can depend on Jane – she always keeps her promises.