dependent

or de·pend·ant

[ dih-pen-duhnt ]

adjective

1. relying on someone or something else for aid, support, etc.
2. conditioned or determined by something else; contingent:

   Our trip is dependent on the weather.

3. subordinate; subject:

   a dependent territory.

4. Grammar. not used in isolation; used only in connection with other forms. In I walked out when the bell rang, when the bell rang is a dependent clause. Compare independent ( def 14 ), main ¹( def 4 ).
5. hanging down; pendent.
6. Mathematics.
   1. (of a variable) having values determined by one or more independent variables.
   2. (of an equation) having solutions that are identical to those of another equation or to those of a set of equations.
7. Statistics. (of an event or a value) not statistically independent.

noun

1. a person who depends on or needs someone or something for aid, support, favor, etc.
2. a child, spouse, parent, or certain other relative to whom one contributes all or a major amount of necessary financial support:

   She listed two dependents on her income-tax form.

3. Archaic. a subordinate part.

dependent

/ dɪˈpɛndənt /

adjective

1. depending on a person or thing for aid, support, life, etc
2. postpositive; foll by on or upon influenced or conditioned (by); contingent (on)
3. subordinate; subject

   a dependent prince

4. obsolete.
   hanging down
5. maths
   1. (of a variable) having a value depending on that assumed by a related independent variable
   2. (of a linear equation) having every solution as a solution of one or more given linear equations

noun

1. grammar an element in a phrase or clause that is not the governor
2. See dependant
   a variant spelling (esp US) of dependant

Usage

See dependant

Derived Forms

• deˈpendently, adverb

Other Words From

• de·pendent·ly de·pendant·ly adverb
• over·de·pendent adjective
• prede·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent·ly adverb
• self-de·pendent adjective
• self-de·pendent·ly adverb
• semi·de·pendent adjective
• semi·de·pendent·ly adverb
• unde·pendent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, dependent is from the late Middle English word dependaunt. See depend, -ent

Example Sentences

We’ve researched the best desk chairs dependent on the way you’ll want to use them.

From Popular-Science

Because temperatures were so marginal for accumulation, between 31 and 35 degrees, amounts tended to be elevation-dependent.

From Washington Post

The post Publishers worry Taboola’s SPAC funding could make them more dependent on its ad revenue appeared first on Digiday.

From Digiday

Community, though dependent on technology, will exist, at least for one precious day.

From Washington Post

When storms in the Ohio Valley dissipate and transfer their energy to a new coastal storm, snowfall in Washington is heavily dependent on where the new storm forms and how quickly it develops.

From Washington Post

Its graceful hotels and beautiful restaurants are totally dependent on the tourist trade.

From The Daily Beast

Conventional wisdom holds that most excessive drinkers are alcohol dependent.

From The Daily Beast

Our ability to feel seen is truly dependent on being in relation to someone else.

From The Daily Beast

In 2014, any dependent youth who earns more than $6,200 will have to report those earnings to the IRS.

From The Daily Beast

Uzbekistan, largely dependent on cotton, the industry of white gold, could not afford to re-channel water to its half.

From The Daily Beast

Without having represented to your husband the propriety of first consulting his father, on whom he is dependent, I think?

From Project Gutenberg

It was stated by the deputation that 5,000 families were dependent on the jewellery trades in Birmingham.

From Project Gutenberg

It is dependent on that covenant as made with the Mediator, and consistent with it as established with men.

From Project Gutenberg

"As much dependent on Great Britain as one perfectly free people can be on another," the Farmer said.

From Project Gutenberg

But until these organs are properly developed, the plant is dependent on the matters contained in the seed itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• defenseless
• poor
• reliant
• vulnerable