Depended: meaning, definitions and examples
π
depended
[ dΙͺΛpΙndΙͺd ]
past tense
Depended is the past tense of the verb depend. It refers to a situation where something relies on or is influenced by another person or thing. In this context, it indicates that the outcome or status of something was contingent upon certain conditions or factors. For instance, one might say 'her success depended on her preparation.' It emphasizes the relationship of dependence or reliance in various scenarios.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- His decision depended on the feedback he received.
- The outcome of the game depended on the last minute.
- Her happiness depended greatly on her family's support.
Etymology
The word 'depend' comes from the Latin 'dependere', where 'de-' means 'down, from' and 'pendere' means 'to hang'. Thus, 'dependere' literally means 'to hang from'. The term entered the English language in the late 14th century, retaining its core meaning of relying on something or someone else. Over time, it evolved in usage, encompassing broader meanings tied with conditions and relationships. The past tense form 'depended' was formed by adding the regular past tense suffix '-ed', a common practice in English that reflects the transition from Old English to Middle English. This evolution has seen the term widely adopted in both formal and informal contexts to indicate reliance or the state of being contingent upon another entity.