Rely — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈlī/ re·ly

Meaning & Definition of Rely

Rely (verb)

  1. to be dependent
  2. to have confidence based on experience

Rely (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to place reliance or trust

    "rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives"

    similar: calculate, count, depend, lean, reckon, bank on, call on, figure on, look to, stand on
    related: commit, confide, entrust, trust
    near: distrust, mistrust, question, suspect

Related Entry: Rely (on or upon) (verb)

Rely (on or upon) is a different word from Rely. The synonyms below are for rely (on or upon), not for rely.

  1. as in wait (for), count (on or upon)

    similar: bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), wait (for), anticipate, await, expect, hope (for), watch (for), envisage, envision, foresee, foretell, predict, prophesy, assume, presume, presuppose, contemplate, eye, view
    opposite: doubt, question

Related Entry: Rely (on) (verb)

Rely (on) is a different word from Rely. The synonyms below are for rely (on), not for rely.

  1. as in depend (on)

    similar: depend (on), employ, use, utilize, consult, go (to), refer (to), resort (to), turn (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Rely

The most common words with a similar meaning to Rely:

calculate, count, depend, lean, reckon, bank on, call on, figure on, look to, stand on

Related Words for Rely

commit, confide, entrust, trust

Near Antonyms of Rely

distrust, mistrust, question, suspect

Word Forms of Rely

Inflections: relied, relying

Derived words: relier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Rely

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie ligature

First known use: 1574

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Rely

Words & Phrases Containing Rely

rely on/upon

Frequently Asked Questions about Rely

What does "Rely" mean?

"Rely" means to be dependent. As a verb, it is defined as: to be dependent.

What is another word for "Rely"?

Other words for "Rely" include calculate, count, depend, lean, reckon, bank on, call on and figure on. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Rely" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Rely"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Rely". Common alternatives include calculate, count, depend, lean, reckon, bank on, call on, figure on, look to and stand on.

How do you use "Rely" in a sentence?

Examples of "Rely" in a sentence: "rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives".

Is "Rely" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Rely" is a verb.

Is "Rely" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Rely" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Rely"?

"Rely" is pronounced /ri-ˈlī/ and divided into syllables as re·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Rely"?

"Rely" comes from Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie ligature. First known use: 1574.