What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lean
Example
He leaned against the wall for support. [lean: verb]
Example
The company's success leans heavily on its marketing strategy. [leans: verb]
Example
I lean towards the idea of taking a vacation this summer. [lean: verb]
depend
Example
I depend on my friends for emotional support. [depend: verb]
Example
The success of the project depends on the cooperation of all team members. [depends: verb]
Example
I depend on coffee to start my day. [depend: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depend is more commonly used than lean in everyday language. Depend is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lean is less common and refers to a specific physical posture or preference.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lean and depend?
Both lean and depend can be used in formal and informal contexts, but depend is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
