Rely

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈlaɪ/

Definitions

1. To depend on someone or something with confidence that they will provide what is needed or expected
2. To place trust in a person or entity, expecting them to be dependable or to fulfill certain responsibilities while offering necessary support or assistance
3. To count on someone or something to meet needs or expectations with assurance

Etymology: The verb "rely" started out as a verb of binding. Its ancestor in Latin, "religo", meant "fasten" or "bind fast", built from "re-" (back, again) and "ligo" (to tie), the same root that gives English "ligature" and "ligament." Old French took it into "relier", which could mean to fasten something to something else, and also to rally troops or to oblige someone to do a duty. Middle English borrowed the word as "relien", and the idea of being tied to someone or something gradually turned into the idea of leaning on it. To rely on a person is, in effect, to let your weight rest on them, trusting that they will hold. The metaphor of fastening becomes one of support, which is why the modern sense carries both trust and an expectation of help.

Synonyms: depend, count, trust, lean, bank

Antonyms: distrust, doubt, ignore, abandon, forsake