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Rely On for Dummies

verb


What does Rely On really mean?

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Student: Teacher, what does "rely on" mean?

Teacher: Ah, great question! "Rely on" is a phrase we use to talk about depending or counting on someone or something in order to achieve a desired outcome or to feel safe, secure, or supported. It's like when you have a best friend who you know will always be there for you when you need them. You can "rely on" them to give you comfort, advice, or help. When you rely on someone, you have confidence that they will come through for you in a time of need.

Similarly, think about a tree that relies on its sturdy roots to provide stability and nourishment. The roots are what the tree trusts and depends on to stay firmly planted in the ground and receive the nutrients it needs to grow. Just like the tree, we rely on certain things or people to be there for us and support us in our journey through life.

Relying on someone or something also means having faith that they will fulfill their promises or obligations. For example, let's say you have an older sister who always picks you up from school. You trust her to be there on time every day because she has shown in the past that you can rely on her. It creates a sense of security and comfort knowing that you can depend on someone.

So, when we say "rely on," it means having trust and depending on someone or something to provide support, assistance, or fulfillment of their promises. It's a way of acknowledging that we count on someone or something as a source of reliability, comfort, and security.

Does that make sense?

Revised and Fact checked by Emma Johnson on 2023-10-29 16:45:54

Rely On In a sentece

Learn how to use Rely On inside a sentece

  • I rely on my alarm clock to wake up in the morning.
  • I rely on my parents to pick me up from school every day.
  • We rely on electricity to power our appliances at home.
  • I rely on my friend to remind me of important dates and events.
  • I rely on my teacher to explain difficult concepts in class.

Rely On Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.