Word Study
rely
CIDE DICTIONARY
rely, v. i. [Pref. re- + lie to rest.].
To rest with confidence, as when fully satisfied of the veracity, integrity, or ability of persons, or of the certainty of facts or of evidence; to have confidence; to trust; to depend; -- with on, formerly also with in. [1913 Webster]
"Go in thy native innocence; rely
On what thou hast of virtue." [1913 Webster]
On what thou hast of virtue." [1913 Webster]
"On some fond breast the parting soul relies." [1913 Webster]
Syn. -- To trust; depend; confide; repose.
OXFORD DICTIONARY
rely, v.intr. (-ies, -ied) (foll. by on, upon)
1 depend on with confidence or assurance (am relying on your judgement).
2 be dependent on (relies on her for everything).
1 depend on with confidence or assurance (am relying on your judgement).
2 be dependent on (relies on her for everything).
Etymology
ME (earlier senses 'rally, be a vassal of') f. OF relier bind together f. L religare (as RE-, ligare bind)
THESAURUS
rely
await, bank, bank on, bet on, build on, calculate, commit, confide, count on, depend, depend on, entrust, expect, have confidence in, hope, lean on, lean upon, look, lot, put faith in, reckon on, swear by, trust inFor further exploring for "rely" in Webster Dictionary Online