How do you use the word "rely" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "rely": You can rely on him. You can rely on her.

Rely Meaning

/ɹɪˈlaɪ/

Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

verbTo depend on someone or something with full trust or confidence.

verbTo trust; to have confidence in; to depend.

Sentence Examples

You can rely on him.

You can rely on her.

You can rely on him. He never lets you down.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

bank trust swear

Antonyms:

distrust mistrust

CEFR Practice Quiz

You can always ____ on your best friend to help you in times of trouble.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

You can ____ on me to keep your secret.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English relien, from Old French relier (“fasten, attach, rally, oblige”), from Latin religo (“fasten, bind fast”), from re- + ligo.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"I relied on "George" and "Fred"—the autopilot and the flight director—to fly the airplane while I worked my way through […]" — 1993, Flying, volume 120, page 73:

"Cookieless sessions enable you to take advantage of session state without relying on browser cookies." — 2004, Stephen Walther, ASP.NET unleashed:

"Shepard: You can't rely on anyone. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Shepard: It comes down to doing what you think is right--and damn everyone else." — 2012, BioWare, Mass Effect 3, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel, Huerta Memorial Hospital, Visiting Ashley:

"Hodgson also has Wayne Rooney to call on once he has served a two-match suspension at the start of the tournament - and it is abundantly clear England will rely as heavily as ever on his ability to shape the outcome of important games." — 2012 May 26, Phil McNulty, “Norway 0-1 England”, in BBC Sport:

"A “moving platform” scheme[…]is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. Local trains would use side-by-side rails to roll alongside intercity trains and allow passengers to switch trains by stepping through docking bays." — 2013 June 1, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly):

Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words