dependverb [ I ]
uk/dɪˈpend/us/dɪˈpend/B1 to be decided by or to change according to the stated thing:
Whether or not we go to Mexico for our holiday depends on the cost.
[ + question word ] I might go to the cinema tomorrow - it depends what time I get home from work.
it (all) depends B1 informal
it is not decided yet:
"Are you going to Emma's party?" "I don't know, it depends - we might be going away that weekend."
More examples
- How long the journey takes will depend on how long it takes to get through the traffic.
- "Would you get ever involved in a fight?" "It would depend on the situation."
- "Can you lift this case?" "It depends how heavy it is."
- I might come - it depends. I'll have to find out what Andrew wants to do.
- Whether or not you're given a car depends on your position in the company.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Being based on or depending on something
- base sth on sth
- basis
- boil down to sth
- build around sth
- build on sth
- come down to sth
- ground
- live off sb/sth
- more
- on the back of sth idiom
- on the strength of sth idiom
- predicate
- put all your eggs in one basket idiom
- rest
- ride
- spring
- turn on sth
- underlie
- underpin
- understanding
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Phrasal verb(s)
depend on/upon sb/sth