depend and rely

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

Is the following correct interpretation of "depend on'' and ''rely on''?

depend on:
needing the support of something or someone in order to continue existing or operating

reply on:
1. to need a particular thing or the help and support of someone or something in order to continue, to work correctly, or to succeed:
2. to trust someone or something or to expect them to behave in a particular way

I can say ''depend on'' and the first meaning of ''rely on'' are the same. Is that right? When it comes to the second meaning they are not interchangable. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[Snowcake]

I'd say even the second meaning of rely on is interchangeable with depend on.

See here:

1. To rely, especially for support or maintenance: Children must depend on their parents.
2. To place trust or confidence: You can depend on his honesty.

Source

Rely implies complete confidence, whereas depend implies confidence in the help or support of others.

Consequently, rely is more general, more "comprehensive" than depend.

Regards,
Snowcake

 

[jiang]

Dear Snowcake,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

I'd say even the second meaning of rely on is interchangeable with depend on.

See here:

1. To rely, especially for support or maintenance: Children must depend on their parents.
2. To place trust or confidence: You can depend on his honesty.

Source

Rely implies complete confidence, whereas depend implies confidence in the help or support of others.

Consequently, rely is more general, more "comprehensive" than depend.

Regards,
Snowcake