Vocabulary in context
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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.
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Imagine This
Imagine a plant seedling that will only grow when watered and given sunlight; its growth is dependent on those conditions.
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Sounds Like
di-PEN-dษnt
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Looks Like
Resembles 'independent' in spelling; both share the -pend-ent ending.
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Remember This
Dependent contrasts with independent; the root pend means to hang, so dependent literally implies hanging on something for support.
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Other Forms
dependencenoun
dependentnoun
dependentlyadverb
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Connect With
reliant, contingent, conditional, subordinate, subject to
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- 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.
Synonyms
reliantcontingentconditionalsubordinate
Antonyms
independentself-sufficientautonomous
Etymology
From Latin dependere, meaning 'to hang from' or 'to be dependent' (de- 'down' + pendere 'to hang').
Mnemonic
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
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Conditional
adjectiveSubject to one or more conditions; dependent on something else being true or fulfilled.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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