rely upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
to trust someone or something to help you
Literal meaning: to place dependence upon something
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
formal
to depend on someone or something for help, support, or success
"The project relies upon volunteer work in every neighborhood."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Meaning is the same as 'rely on', but 'upon' often sounds more formal, legal, or literary.
Commonly used with
support evidence assistance data friends experience
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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