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de·pen·dent
di-ˈpen-dənt 
1
a
: determined or conditioned by another : contingent
b(1)
(2)
: affected with a drug dependence (see dependence sense 4)
c
grammar
: subordinate sense 3a
d
: subject to another's jurisdiction
2
mathematics
a
: not mathematically or statistically independent (see independent entry 1 sense 1e)
dependently
adverb
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.
Synonyms
Example Sentences
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
Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 30 Nov. 2022
Peter Gleick, co-founder and president emeritus of the Pacific Institute, said the report’s findings are heavily dependent on whether that prediction manifests.
Hayley Smithstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2022
In early 2021, Houston Public Works explained that its system is not as dependent on gravity as those in other big cities.
Dennis Romero, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2022
But if conditions are a bit soggy in Columbus, the Buckeyes might be more dependent on their run game, and the depth of the RB room has been tested of late.
Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2022
With exports falling right now and consumer spending weak during widespread Covid lockdowns, the economy is even more dependent on housing.
Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2022
In the first decades after the fighting ended, South Korea’s defense was heavily dependent on American troops and weaponry.
Gawon Bae, CNN, 25 Nov. 2022
Just before the invasion, Germany was heavily dependent on the Kremlin for natural gas, coal and oil.
Kelly Kasulis Cho, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2022
In Newton's ideal fluid, the viscosity is largely dependent on temperature and pressure: water will continue to flow — i.e., act like water — regardless of other forces acting upon it, such as being stirred or mixed.
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Nov. 2022
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Sep. 2022
You'd be classified as a dependent for federal student aid if: You were enrolled as an undergraduate student between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2022
But students who have been claimed as a dependent will have their eligibility determined based on their parents’ or guardians’ income, the official said.
Andrew Restuccia, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022
The tax law has changed over the years, and there are detailed IRS rules for who can be claimed as a dependent.
Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022
Same- and next-day delivery are available for select locations across the country, but as with other online delivery services, arrangements and inventory is zip-code dependent.
Korin Miller, Forbes, 6 May 2021
Georgia residents can claim embryo as a dependent on their state taxes.
Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022
In 1966, 11 years after marrying Pole and with both husbands claiming her as a dependent on their tax returns, Nin told Pole the truth.
Katie Gutierrez, Town & Country, 28 July 2022
Taxpayers could deduct $3,000 for each child or other dependent.
Jeff Amy, ajc, 27 Apr. 2022
See More
Adjective
The success of retail categories like grocery and FMCG is highly dependent on retailers’ inventories and supply-chain logistics.
Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 30 Nov. 2022
Peter Gleick, co-founder and president emeritus of the Pacific Institute, said the report’s findings are heavily dependent on whether that prediction manifests.
Hayley Smithstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2022
In early 2021, Houston Public Works explained that its system is not as dependent on gravity as those in other big cities.
Dennis Romero, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2022
But if conditions are a bit soggy in Columbus, the Buckeyes might be more dependent on their run game, and the depth of the RB room has been tested of late.
Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2022
With exports falling right now and consumer spending weak during widespread Covid lockdowns, the economy is even more dependent on housing.
Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2022
In the first decades after the fighting ended, South Korea’s defense was heavily dependent on American troops and weaponry.
Gawon Bae, CNN, 25 Nov. 2022
Just before the invasion, Germany was heavily dependent on the Kremlin for natural gas, coal and oil.
Kelly Kasulis Cho, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2022
In Newton's ideal fluid, the viscosity is largely dependent on temperature and pressure: water will continue to flow — i.e., act like water — regardless of other forces acting upon it, such as being stirred or mixed.
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Nov. 2022
Noun
Amber Robertson and Lyons were indicted on several charges of neglect of a dependent.
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Sep. 2022
You'd be classified as a dependent for federal student aid if: You were enrolled as an undergraduate student between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2022
But students who have been claimed as a dependent will have their eligibility determined based on their parents’ or guardians’ income, the official said.
Andrew Restuccia, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022
The tax law has changed over the years, and there are detailed IRS rules for who can be claimed as a dependent.
Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022
Same- and next-day delivery are available for select locations across the country, but as with other online delivery services, arrangements and inventory is zip-code dependent.
Korin Miller, Forbes, 6 May 2021
Georgia residents can claim embryo as a dependent on their state taxes.
Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022
In 1966, 11 years after marrying Pole and with both husbands claiming her as a dependent on their tax returns, Nin told Pole the truth.
Katie Gutierrez, Town & Country, 28 July 2022
Taxpayers could deduct $3,000 for each child or other dependent.
Jeff Amy, ajc, 27 Apr. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dependent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Phrases Containing dependent
Articles Related to dependent
Dictionary Entries Near dependent
Cite this Entry
“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependent. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
dependent
1 of 2 adjective
de·pen·dent
di-ˈpen-dənt
dependently
adverb
dependent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also dependant
: one that is dependent (as on drugs or a person)
Legal Definition
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
Nglish: Translation of dependent for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of dependent for Arabic Speakers
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