What does relying mean?
“Relying” means depending on or trusting someone or something to provide support, assistance, or a particular result. The standard construction is “rely on”: a person may rely on a colleague for advice, a team for teamwork, or a device for communication. It can also suggest placing confidence in an outcome, as when we say that we cannot rely on the weather. The expression often carries a note of dependence, but not necessarily weakness; in technical and professional contexts, it is a neutral and useful way to describe what a system, plan, or argument is based on. “Relying on” is more specific than merely saying that something “uses” something, because it implies trust or dependence. The word is common in both British and American English and can be used in formal writing, conversation, and academic explanation.
verbTo depend on or trust someone or something to provide help, support, or a desired result. It is commonly used with the preposition “on,” as in “rely on someone.”
- To depend on someone or something for support, assistance, or success.
- To trust or assume that someone or something will act in a particular way.
"You can rely on me to have the report ready by tomorrow."
"The design relies on simple materials and a small production team."
"We cannot rely on the train arriving on time in heavy rain."
The word “rely” carries the idea of tying one thing to another for support, which is why “rely on” means to place your confidence in someone or something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relying come from?
“Rely” comes through Old French from Latin “relegare,” formed from “re-,” meaning again, and “ligare,” meaning to bind. The original sense was to bind or fasten together, which developed into the idea of depending upon or trusting something for support. Its relatives include “reliable,” “reliance,” and “reliant,” while “rally” also ultimately comes from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How relying is actually used
In standard English, “rely” is nearly always followed by “on”: “rely on someone,” not usually “rely someone.” The phrase can express both practical dependence and trust in a person’s judgment or reliability.