Dependant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Legal Definition

• In law, a dependant often refers to someone who is dependent on another for financial support, particularly in matters of estate and insurance.
• Dependants may include children, spouses, or others who rely on an individual for care.
• British tax law recognizes dependants for tax relief purposes, allowing non-working spouses or children to be claimed.

Psychology

• Psychological dependence can describe a scenario where an individual relies on another for emotional support.
• Health professionals may identify patterns of dependency in relationships that can affect personal well-being.
• Developmentally, children learn independence gradually, transitioning from being dependants to self-sufficient individuals.

Cultural References

• Media often portray dependants in family dynamics, showcasing the balance between dependence and independence.
• In many cultures, it is traditionally expected for children to remain dependants until they marry or establish their own homes.
• The portrayal of dependants can influence societal views on caregiving and responsibility, particularly in aging populations.

Education

• In educational contexts, dependants may refer to students who require additional support, such as tutoring or special services.
• Policy discussions often center on the importance of supporting dependants through legislative measures for education funding.
• The concept of dependants extends to scholarship opportunities, where financial aid is tailored for students with dependants.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang down', implying reliance.
• In Old French, the term was 'dependant', which also meant someone who relied on another.
• The spelling with 'a' as in 'dependant' is often used in British English, while 'dependent' is common in American English.

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.

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

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• 19923 dependant
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