Depend/dɪˈpend/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Existence Link Use 'depend' to show one thing can't be without another. Healthy fish populations depend on clean rivers. Pro Tip 2/3Success Connection 'Depend' indicates one's success is tied to another element. Our championship hopes depend on the star player's health. Pro Tip 3/3Support System Use 'depend' when talking about relying on others for help. Many startups depend on investors for initial capital.