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

The banner ad’s continued relevance will depend on the industry’s ability to innovate responsibly. —Sergii Denysenko, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Whether Cronin’s team, the youngest in the division, can take the next step in closing the gap with the Kings and the rest of the league will depend on how quickly those young Ducklings mature. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024

After your trial period, your cost will depend on your prescription, type of contact lenses and delivery cadence. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

The visibility for viewing will also depend on local weather conditions and city lights. —Eric Lagatta, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024