Dependent
Adjective: depending on something else for support, existence, or outcome; not independent. Noun: a dependent is a person who relies on another for support.
adjectiveDependent
Adjective: depending on something else for support, existence, or outcome; not independent. Noun: a dependent is a person who relies on another for support.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a plant seedling that will only grow when watered and given sunlight; its growth is dependent on those conditions.
Sounds Like
di-PEN-dษnt
Looks Like
Resembles 'independent' in spelling; both share the -pend-ent ending.
Remember This
Dependent contrasts with independent; the root pend means to hang, so dependent literally implies hanging on something for support.
Other Forms
Connect With
reliant, contingent, conditional, subordinate, subject to
Note
Do not confuse with dependant (British variant) when referring to a person who relies on someone else for support; context will indicate which form is appropriate. The noun form 'dependent' is often used for people, while the adjective describes reliance or conditionality.
Study Deeper
- Your grade is dependent on how well you perform on the final exam.
- A dependent is someone who relies on a guardian or relative for financial support.
From Latin dependere, meaning 'to hang from' or 'to be dependent' (de- 'down' + pendere 'to hang').
DE-PEND-ENT: De means down and pend means hang; something that is dependent 'hangs' on another thing for support.
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Similar Words
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