rely on

You trust someone or something to do what you expect.

• You can rely on me.
• I relied on her to tell the truth.
• Can we rely on these figures?

How to use it: rely on someone/something (You can rely on her judgment.); rely on someone to do something (We relied on him to lock the door.)

Similar words: trust, count on

Opposites: distrust

Common phrases: rely on someone, rely on advice, rely on something

You need someone or something in order to live, work, or succeed.

• We rely on buses to get around.
• The farm relied on rain for its water.
• Does the charity rely on donations?

How to use it: rely on someone/something for something (The village relies on visitors for income.); rely on doing something (He relies on selling fruit to pay his rent.)

Similar words: depend on

Common phrases: rely on something, rely on public transport, rely on someone