- depend
- /dI'pend/ verb
it
/that depends spoken used to say that you cannot give a definite answer to something, because the answer could change according to what happens: “Are you going to visit him?” “Well, it depends.”
depend on/upon phrasal verb (T)
1 to need the support, help, or existence of someone or something else: The country depends heavily on its tourist trade. | We depend entirely on donations from the public. | depend on sb/sth for: Children depend on their parents for all of their material needs. | depend on sb/sth to do sth: I'm depending on you to get this done. | depend on sb/sth doing sth: We're depending on him finishing the job by Friday.2 to trust or have confidence in someone or something: You can depend on Jane - she always keeps her promises. | depend upon it spoken (=you can be sure): Depend upon it, he'll turn up.3 (not in progressive) to change according to what else happens or whether something else changes: The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the illness. | depending on: The plant may grow to a height of several meters, depending on soil conditions. | depend on who/what/how etc: The amount you pay depends on where you live.
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.