dependent
Dependent (adj) means relying on someone or something for support, existence, or success. Example: “The company's future is heavily dependent on this one client.”
How to use dependent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelying on something else, or (in American English) a person who is supported financially by someone.
British English tends to reserve "dependent" for the adjective and use "dependant" for the noun; American English uses "dependent" for both.
Word forms
more dependent comparative, dependents plural, most dependent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company's future is heavily _____ on this one client.
Etymology
From Middle French dependant, the present participle of dependre ("to depend").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for dependent
See all rhymes for dependent →Frequently asked questions
What does “dependent” mean?
The word “dependent” means relying on someone or something for support, existence, or success. In plain terms, relying on something else, or (in American English) a person who is supported financially by someone.
How do you pronounce “dependent”?
“Dependent” is pronounced dih-PEHN-duhnt (/dɪˈpɛndənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dependent” in a sentence?
Here is “dependent” used in a sentence: “The company's future is heavily dependent on this one client.”
What is another word for “dependent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dependent” include reliant and contingent.
What is the opposite of “dependent”?
The opposite of “dependent” — its antonyms — are independent and self-reliant.
What part of speech is “dependent”?
Depending on how it is used, “dependent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “dependent” come from?
The word “dependent” comes from Middle French. From Middle French dependant, the present participle of dependre ("to depend").
Is “dependent” a common word?
“Dependent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "dependent" and "dependant"?
In British English, "dependent" is the adjective meaning reliant on something, while "dependant" is the noun for a person who relies on you, such as a child. In American English, "dependent" is used for both the adjective and the noun.
What is the difference between "dependent" and "independent"?
"Dependent" means relying on someone or something for support or existence, while "independent" means the opposite, being self-sufficient and not relying on others. Adding the prefix "in-" reverses the meaning of the word.
What preposition goes with "dependent"?
"Dependent" is normally followed by "on" (or sometimes "upon"), as in "the plan is dependent on funding." It is not paired with "of," which is a common mistake.
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