Dependent
/dɪˈpɛndənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelying on someone or something else for support, help, or existence.
/dɪˈpɛndənt/
Relying on someone or something for support or help.
The elderly woman is dependent on her family for care.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and you need your friend to help you win. If you need your friend's help to win, you are *dependent* on them.
👶 For kids: When you need someone else to help you or give you things.
More Examples
The success of the project is dependent on funding.
The baby is completely dependent on its parents.
How It's Used
"A minor child is legally dependent on their parents."
"The country's economy is heavily dependent on tourism."
A person, especially a child or spouse, who relies on another for financial support.
/dɪˈpɛndənt/
A person who relies on another for financial support.
She has two dependents: her elderly mother and her younger brother.
💡 Simply: Think about your family: your parents might claim you as a *dependent* on their taxes, because they support you financially.
👶 For kids: Someone who needs another person to give them food, clothes, and a place to live.
More Examples
The company provides health insurance for employees and their dependents.
The tax form asks for the number of dependents.
How It's Used
"He claimed his children as dependents on his tax return."
"The government provides aid to dependents of veterans."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *dependent*, from Old French *dependent*, from Latin *dependens*, present participle of *dependēre* 'to hang down from, be dependent'.
Historically used to describe a person or thing relying on another for support, it has maintained this core meaning with consistent usage across time.
Memory tip
Think of a plant that needs a trellis; it's dependent on it for support.
Word Origin
"to hang down from; to be dependent"