Words / B1

ri-LEYE/rɪˈlaɪ/

Rely means need or trust someone or something. Rely on is the only usual pattern. Depend on is a close synonym. Reliable is the adjective for people and machines. Reliance is a more formal noun. Do not write “rely in” or “rely to.”

Meaning

To need or trust someone or something.

Examples

• “You can rely on her to be on time.”
• “The village relies on farming.”
• “You cannot rely on the buses after midnight.”

Good to know

rely on + person/thing. Adjective: reliable. Twin verb: depend on.

Near in meaning

depend

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