depend on/upon

phrasal verb

depended on/upon; depending on/upon; depends on/upon

1

: to be determined or decided by (something)

We're not sure if we'll have the picnic. It depends on the weather.

"Will you go back to college?" "I don't know. It depends on whether or not I can afford it."

The stamp's value depends on how rare it is.

Depending upon your child's weight and height, she or he may have to sit in the back seat of the car.

2

: to need (someone or something) for support, help, etc.

He no longer depends on his parents for money.

They depend heavily/largely/solely/entirely on her income to pay the bills.

3

: to be sure about (someone or something) : to trust (someone or something)

The manufacturer promises quality you can depend on.

She will be remembered as a woman upon whom people could depend.

—sometimes used humorously

I can always depend on it to rain on days when I forget my umbrella.

Examples of depend on/upon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of those priorities will depend on the outcome of the race to control the House — but with Trump in the White House, the upper chamber will have a significant role to play no matter what. —Li Zhou, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024

Trump’s relationship with Congress will depend on its post-election composition. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

The need for treatment will depend upon the underlying cause. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

So the outcome will depend on turnout and the ability of each side to get its supporters to the polls or a ballot in their hands. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024