depend
UK: dɪˈpend | US: dɪˈpend
vi. to rely on someone or something for support or help
vi. to be determined or influenced by something else
vi. (grammar) to be subordinate to another clause or element
depend = de<down> + pend<hang>
- de (Latin prefix): "down" or "away," indicating direction or reversal.
- pend (Latin root): "to hang," derived from pendere (to hang, weigh).
Etymology Origin:
The word "depend" originates from Latin dependēre, combining de- (down) and pendēre (to hang). The literal sense was "to hang down," which evolved metaphorically into "rely on" or "be contingent upon," as if one thing "hangs" from another for support. This reflects the logic of dependency—something suspended or determined by another.
Children depend on their parents for care and guidance.
The success of the project depends on teamwork.
In complex sentences, subordinate clauses depend on the main clause.
The flowers depend on sunlight to grow properly.
Whether we go hiking depends on the weather tomorrow.