1 B2 idiomatic formal
to depend on someone or something for help, support, or success
"The project relies upon volunteer work in every neighborhood."
inseparable
rely upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
to depend on or trust someone or something
In plain English
to trust someone or something to help you
What does "rely upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic formal
to trust that someone will act as expected or that something will be available
"You may rely upon us to keep your information private."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to place dependence upon something
Actually means
to trust someone or something to help you
Usage tip
Meaning is the same as 'rely on', but 'upon' often sounds more formal, legal, or literary.
Words that pair with "rely upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
support evidence assistance data friends experience
How to conjugate "rely upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rely upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
relies upon
he/she/it
Past simple
relied upon
yesterday
Past participle
relied upon
have + pp
-ing form
relying upon
continuous
Hear "rely upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rely upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "rely upon"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.