Definition of depend on

The word "depend on" originally comes from the Old French phrase "de penser," which literally translates to "to think of" or "to consider." This phrase was used to express the idea that something was necessary or believed to be essential in a particular situation. In Middle English, the expression "depenen" emerged, which meant "to depend" or "to depend upon." The prefix "de-" in this word was used to suggest a connection or relation between two things. By the 15th century, "depend" began to be used as a transitive verb, meaning "to put trust in" or "to rely upon." The modern form of the word, "depend on," first appeared in the 18th century, signifying a relationship of reliance or support between two entities. The meaning has remained largely the same since then, with the phrase "to depend upon" being commonly used in many different contexts to express the idea of dependence or reliance.