Depend Meaning
Depend Definition & Usage
To rely on someone or something for support, help, or provision.
Examples
- "I depend on my friends for emotional support during tough times."
- "The success of the project depends on everyone working together."
- "Her happiness depends on the approval of her family."
- "The plants depend on regular watering to grow."
- "In many ways, your health depends on the choices you make every day."
To be affected by or determined by a particular condition or factor.
Examples
- "The outcome of the match depends on the weather conditions."
- "Whether we go for a hike tomorrow depends on how much it rains today."
- "His decision to attend the event depends on his work schedule."
- "The price of the product depends on the demand in the market."
- "The project's timeline depends on how quickly the materials are delivered."
To be physically supported by something, often in a downward position.
Examples
- "The chandelier depends from the ceiling by a chain."
- "The heavy sign depended precariously on a thin wire."
- "A swing depends from the tree branch by sturdy ropes."
- "The vines depend from the tree's branches, creating a natural curtain."
- "His bicycle depends from the ceiling in the garage, suspended by hooks."
Cultural Context
The word 'depend' originates from the Latin word 'dependere,' which means 'to hang down' or 'to be suspended.' Over time, its meaning expanded into metaphorical senses, emphasizing reliance on others or circumstances. This shift occurred in both common and academic usage, reflecting the evolving nature of relationships and the interconnectedness of actions and outcomes.
The Dependable Bridge
Story
The Dependable Bridge
In a small village nestled between two hills, there was a bridge that connected the local school to the town center. The villagers had always depended on this bridge for years—it was their lifeline. But one day, the storm came, stronger than anyone had expected. The bridge began to shake and crack, its iron supports groaning under the pressure. Mia, the town engineer, knew it would take weeks to repair, but there was no time to waste. The village depended on the bridge being functional, or else their daily routines would come to a halt. Meanwhile, in the local coffee shop, Tom, an elderly man who ran the place, discussed the situation with Lily, a teacher at the school. ‘You know, the children depend on that bridge to get to school,’ Lily said. ‘If it’s out of commission, we’ll have to cancel classes.’ As Mia examined the bridge the next morning, she realized that the solution was simple, yet risky. The bridge itself was hanging by just a few strong beams, and it depended on these to hold it up. She instructed the workers to carefully reinforce the weakest parts, and soon the bridge was operational again, albeit with restrictions. The villagers celebrated when the repairs were done, and Mia felt a sense of accomplishment. 'The bridge is dependable once again,' she said proudly, knowing that everyone in the village would once again depend on it every day. Meanwhile, Tom, leaning over the counter in his coffee shop, remarked to a new customer, 'I suppose you could say we all depend on each other here, just like that bridge.' As the days went by, the storm’s aftermath became a distant memory, but the bridge remained a symbol of how much the villagers relied on each other—and on the things they had come to trust. Whether it was the physical structure or the people around them, everything depended on the strength of the ties that bound them together.
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