dependent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pen·​dent di-ˈpen-dənt 

1

a

: determined or conditioned by another : contingent

plans that are dependent on the weather

b(1)

: relying on another for support

dependent children

Their youngest daughter is still dependent on them.

(2)

: affected with a drug dependence (see dependence sense 4)

alcohol dependent

c

grammar : subordinate sense 3a

dependent clauses

d

: subject to another's jurisdiction

a dependent territory

2

mathematics

a

: not mathematically or statistically independent (see independent entry 1 sense 1e)

a dependent set of vectors

dependent events

b

: equivalent sense 6a

dependent equations

3

: hanging down

dependent lamps

dependently adverb

dependent

2 of 2

noun

de·​pen·​dent di-ˈpen-dənt 

variants or less commonly dependant

1

: one that is dependent

especially : a person who relies on another for support

an individual's spouse and dependent

2

archaic : dependency

Did you know?

Is it ever correct to use dependant instead of dependent?

The simple answer to the question of when dependant should be preferred to dependent is—for the American writer, anyway—maybe never. But that's only the simple answer.

In British English, dependant tends to be used for the noun, as in "a person's spouse and dependants," while dependent is the usual choice for the adjective, as in "a person's spouse and dependent children." In American English, dependent typically does both jobs.

This wasn't always the case: dependant is the older of the pair. The word is derived from French dépendant, which was borrowed into English during the Middle Ages with two different meanings: a literal one, "hanging down" (dépendant is the present participle of the French verb dépendre, meaning "to hang down”) and an extended one, “determined or conditioned by another.”

For two centuries, the English adjective was frequently spelled with final -ant or -aunt. But in the 16th century, the spelling of the word began to shift toward the -ent ending, influenced by the Latin form of the word, dēpendēnt. It is this Latinized spelling of the adjective that is predominately found in American and British English today.

The French-derived dependant, however, still has life across the pond—as a noun. The noun form is newer; it dates to the early 16th century, around the time that the spelling of the word was shifting. Why the -ant spelling for the noun had more staying power in British English is unknown. As the Oxford English Dictionary notes, it was possibly influenced by other nouns, such as defendant and assistant.

In summary, dependant can be used for the noun in either British or American English, but dependent for either noun or adjective is a safe choice in American English.

Synonyms

Adjective

• dangling
• hanging
• pendent
• pendant
• pendulous
• suspended

Examples of dependent in a Sentence

Adjective

He has been alcohol dependent for several years.

the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze

Noun

The insurance provides coverage for workers and their dependents.

a person's spouse and dependents

Do you have any dependents?

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

More tariffs could hurt economies like Germany’s, which has been struggling and is heavily dependent on U.S. exports, shrinking GDP by 0.23%, studies show. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 3 Nov. 2024

This is a country that is enormously dependent on foreign demand, especially from America, to keep its factories running and its workers employed. —New York Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Noun

The government uses taxes from working people to pay benefits to people who have already retired, people who are disabled, the survivors of workers who have died, and dependents of beneficiaries. —Adriana Morga and Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024

Life insurance ensures that your dependents are financially secure in the event of your passing. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English dependant, from Anglo-French, present participle of dependre — see depend

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing dependent

• chemically dependent
• co-dependent
• dependent clause
• dependent variable
• insulin-dependent diabetes
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• non-insulin-dependent diabetes
• non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• self-dependent

Kids Definition

dependent

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pend·​ent

di-ˈpen-dənt

1

: hanging down

2

a

: determined by something else

b

: relying on another for support

dependent children

c

: affected with a drug addiction

d

: being under another's authority

a dependent territory

3

: subordinate entry 1 sense 3a

a dependent clause

dependently adverb

dependent

2 of 2 noun

variants also dependant

-dənt

: a person who relies on another for support

Medical Definition

dependent

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pen·​dent di-ˈpen-dənt 

1

: unable to exist, sustain oneself, or act appropriately or normally without the assistance or direction of another

2

: affected with a drug dependence

3

a

: occurring under the influence of gravity

dependent drainage

b

: affecting the lower part of the body and especially the legs

dependent edema

dependently adverb

dependent

2 of 2 noun

variants also dependant

: one that is dependent (as on drugs or a person)

Legal Definition

dependent

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pen·​dent

1

: determined or conditioned by another : contingent

2

a

: relying on another for especially financial support

b

: lacking the necessary means of support or protection and in need of aid from others (as a public agency)

have the child declared dependent and taken away from his or her parents

—L. H. Tribe

3

: subject to another's jurisdiction

the United States and its dependent territories

dependent

2 of 2 noun

: a person who is dependent

especially : a close relative or member of a taxpayer's household who receives over half of his or her support from the taxpayer and is a U.S. citizen, national, or resident, or a resident of a bordering country (as Mexico) see also dependency exemption at exemption