dependent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pen·​dent di-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce dependent (audio)
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 How to pronounce dependent (audio)
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.

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
Since certain medications are dependent on water, salt, or sugar intake (for instance, insulin and other diabetes drugs), scheduling adjustments are necessary to prevent dehydration or dangerously low glucose or sodium levels, Dr. Nasir says. Azmia Ricchuito, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024 The emphasis on solar power is the latest installment in a two-decade program to make China less dependent on energy imports. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Doing so makes an evening about more than just getting the shot—perhaps a crucial frame-of-mind when pursuing an activity entirely dependent on changing weather conditions, and that offers zero guarantee of a sighting. Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2024 The doctor cares for patients of all ages and accepts multiple types of insurance, relying on a small billing company that uses a software provider dependent on Change’s platform. Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 The refugees are utterly dependent on the humanitarian aid that is brought in, on average, by about eighty-five trucks. Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 The answer lies in the fear of being seen as overly dependent or needy. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 If insolvencies continue at their current pace in higher-risk sectors such as construction, real estate, hospitality and retail, which are dependent on discretionary spending or are labor-intensive, Allianz Trade predicts more than 7,000 firms will go bust in the UK in 2024. Bloomberg, Fortune Europe, 28 Feb. 2024 The pace of the transition is dependent on policy, and in the UK, like many countries, the decision-making process of politicians is dictated by election cycles and government budgets. Sverre Alvik, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Noun
Under current law, a filer can claim a maximum credit of between $300 and $525 for one qualifying dependent and between $600 and $1,050 for two or more qualifying dependents, depending on their income and amount of qualifying expenses. Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2024 The credit is worth up to $500 and may be available to dependents ages 18 and up. The Arizona Republic, 30 Jan. 2024 Taxpayers using Direct File can claim only a limited list of credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers, the credits for children and other dependents, and the standard deduction. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024 Anyone with sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents can consider the non-lucrative visa (or NLV), which is ideal for retirees and those who have other forms of passive income that originates in the United States. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024 The measure her group has pushed for would increase the eligibility for single tax filers who can’t claim dependents, from about $16,500 to about $23,000. Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2024 More than 99,000 public school employees, retirees and dependents and 55,000 state employees, retirees and dependents were covered under the plans as of Aug. 1. My Ly, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2023 These figures do not include child, pet and other dependents’ care, which only adds to the burden. Laurie Sewell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 People who steal to feed a starving family confront conflicting rights claims: They’re forced to violate the property rights of strangers to do their duty to their dependents. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dependent

Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependent. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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 How to pronounce dependent (audio)
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 parentsL. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dependent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!