English Reference
verb · adjective

depending

v. · adj.
US /dɪˈpɛndɪŋ/ UK /dɪpˈɛndɪŋ/ de·pend·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.you use this to say that something is decided by another situation or fact.

    v.functioning as a prepositional participle to indicate that an outcome is contingent upon specific factors.

    Simple

    Depending on the weather, we might have the party in the garden.

    In context

    The final cost of the renovation will vary significantly depending on the quality of the materials selected by the client.

    Usage

    Always followed by the preposition 'on'.

    Pitfall
    Depending of the weather, we will go. Depending on the weather, we will go.

    The verb 'depend' and its participle 'depending' always take the preposition 'on', never 'of'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.needing someone or something for help or support.

    v.relying on a person or thing for financial, emotional, or physical support.

    Simple

    She is currently depending on her parents for financial help while she studies.

    In context

    The local economy is heavily depending on seasonal tourism, which makes the winter months particularly difficult for small business owners.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal

    adj.hanging or swinging down from something else.

    adj.suspended or hanging from another element; often used in technical descriptions of heraldry or anatomy.

    Simple

    The depending vines reached all the way to the forest floor.

    In context

    The knight's crest featured a depending badge, intricately carved from ivory and suspended by a heavy gold chain.

Usage depending on the type · depending on their age

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated