Reliant
/rɪˈlaɪənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Reliant describes a state where a person, group, or thing needs support or help from another. It means you cannot do something fully by yourself and must trust or use something else to succeed or survive.
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See It in Action
Depending on someone or something for help or support
- •She is reliant on her parents while studying abroad.
- •The company is reliant on good internet to operate.
- •Many elderly people are reliant on caregivers.
Needing something to function properly
- •This machine is reliant on electricity to work.
- •Our plans are reliant on the weather staying clear.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reliant" like "need," but more formal and about depending on someone or something regularly
- ✓Imagine a baby bird in a nest that is reliant on its mother to bring food every day
- ✓It's the feeling when you trust a friend to help you because you cannot do something alone
- ✓Sounds like "re-LY-ant" → imagine "rely" (to trust) with a soft ending, meaning you trust or depend on something
- ✓Think of stories where a character is reliant on a guide or tool to complete a journey
- ✓NOT like "independent" (does things alone), reliant means you need help or support
- ✓NOT like "weak" (lack of strength), reliant is about connection or trust, not weakness
- ✓NOT like "optional" (can be left out), reliant means something is necessary or important to function
Try Other Words
- •Dependent: needing support or help (Use when speaking simply about needing help)
- •Trusting: believing someone will help or be true (Use when focusing on faith or confidence in someone)
- •Based on: built or decided using something else (Use when describing plans or systems that need something)
- •Conditional on: depending on something else to happen first (Use in formal or technical contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (again, back) + "liant" from "rely" (to trust or depend)
- •Etymology: From the verb "rely," which comes from Old French "relier" meaning "to bind or tie back"
- •Historical development: "Reliant" as an adjective appeared in English around the 1600s, meaning trusting or depending on
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe people, systems, or things that need others to work or survive
Reflect & Connect
•Can being reliant on others be both a strength and a weakness? How?
•How does being reliant on technology affect daily life today compared to the past?
Fill in the blanks
1.Many children are reliant on their parents for ___ and care during early years.
2.The success of the project was reliant on ___ cooperation from all team members.
3.Unlike independent workers, reliant employees often need ___ guidance and support.
4.When a device is reliant on battery power, it will stop working if the ___ runs out.
5.She felt reliant on her best friend because she could always ___ on her in hard times.
6.The plan was reliant ___ good weather, so it was canceled when it rained.
7.People who are reliant on public transport may find it difficult to ___ places quickly.