rely on; imitate
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to rely on; to depend on
formalOften used in formal or written contexts. Frequently appears in negative constructions such as '无可依傍' (having nothing to rely on).
He has no relatives or friends in this strange land; he has nothing to rely on.
You shouldn't always rely on your parents; you need to learn to live independently.
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This small company survives by relying on large enterprises.
verb
to imitate; to emulate; to model oneself after (in arts or scholarship)
formalSpecifically refers to imitating predecessors or established models in artistic creation or academic research. May carry a negative connotation of lacking originality when used critically.
Beginners often start by imitating their predecessors, gradually forming their own style.
His paintings merely mechanically imitate the Song and Yuan dynasties, lacking personal characteristics.
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In scholarship, one cannot blindly imitate the ancients; one must have one's own original insights.