1
general::
depend on something/somebody
to need something or someone in order to exist, or be healthy, successful etc:
• The island’s economy depends on tourism. • The two industries depend on each other. • Many people depend on the sport for their livelihood (= they need it in order to make money to live ) .
rely on something/somebody
to depend on something or someone to do or provide what you need, especially because you have no choice:
• In rural areas, many people rely on public transport. • She’d never wanted to rely on a man for money.
count on something
to depend on something that you expect to happen:
• Their government was counting on American support. • I’m counting on getting a pay rise next year.
lean on somebody
to depend on someone for support and encouragement, especially at a difficult time:
• We all need a good friend that we can lean on. • When her husband died, she leant on Mike for support.
Longman-Thesaurus