Dependant: meaning, definitions and examples

👶
Add to dictionary

dependant

 

[ dɪˈpɛndənt ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

relying on

A dependant is a person who relies on another, especially for financial support. This term is often used in legal and financial contexts to refer to individuals such as children or spouses who depend on someone else for their livelihood.

Synonyms

dependent, reliant, subordinate

Examples of usage

  • He is a dependant on his parents for money.
  • The insurance covers dependants in case of an emergency.
  • She is legally recognized as a dependant for tax purposes.
Context #2 | Adjective

relying on

As an adjective, 'dependant' refers to something that is reliant on another entity for existence or support. It is commonly used to describe factors or conditions that are influenced by something else.

Synonyms

conditional, contingent, reliant

Examples of usage

  • These variables are dependant on external factors.
  • The outcome is dependant on the weather conditions.
  • Her financial stability is dependant on her job.

Translations

Translations of the word "dependant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dependente

🇮🇳 निर्भर

🇩🇪 abhängig

🇮🇩 bergantung

🇺🇦 залежний

🇵🇱 zależny

🇯🇵 依存する

🇫🇷 dépendant

🇪🇸 dependiente

🇹🇷 bağımlı

🇰🇷 의존하는

🇸🇦 تابع

🇨🇿 závislý

🇸🇰 závislý

🇨🇳 依赖的

🇸🇮 odvisen

🇮🇸 háður

🇰🇿 тәуелді

🇬🇪 დამოკიდებული

🇦🇿 asılı

🇲🇽 dependiente

Etymology

The word 'dependant' has its origins in Middle English, deriving from the Old French 'dependant', which itself comes from the Latin root 'dependere', meaning 'to hang from'. The Latin 'dependere' is a combination of 'de-', meaning 'from' or 'down from', and 'pendere', meaning 'to hang' or 'to weigh'. The evolution of the word has maintained its core meaning related to reliance or the state of being influenced by something else. In modern English, the use of 'dependant' is often more formal, particularly in legal and financial language, emphasizing the relationship of reliance between individuals. Its spelling can vary, especially between British and American English, where 'dependent' is more commonly used as the adjective form.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,923, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.