Dependent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dependent
[dษชหpษndษnt ]
Definitions
financial
Needing someone or something in order to survive or be successful.
Synonyms
reliant, relied on, subject to.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dependent |
Use when referring to someone or something that requires support or assistance from someone else. It often has a broad application, including financial, emotional, or any other kind of support.
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reliant |
Use when emphasizing trust or dependence particularly in situations where someone regularly depends on a certain thing or person.
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relied on |
Use in the context of trust or dependence, similar to 'reliant', but it often implies a more specific instance or past event.
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subject to |
Use this phrase when indicating that someone or something is affected by or prone to a particular influence or condition, often when there is little control over it.
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Examples of usage
- He is still dependent on his parents for financial support.
- The company is heavily dependent on foreign investments.
psychological
Needing someone or something for emotional support or stability.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dependent |
Appropriate when describing someone who relies on someone else for support or help, usually in a neutral or formal context.
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reliant |
Similar to 'dependent', but often used in a more positive or neutral way, emphasizing trust and confidence in someone or something.
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addicted |
Used when someone has an uncontrollable need or habit, often with a negative connotation, especially concerning substances or behaviors.
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clingy |
Describes someone who is overly dependent on another person for attention and affection, often with a negative or informal tone.
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Examples of usage
- She has become emotionally dependent on her therapist.
- The child is too dependent on his security blanket.
grammar
A word or phrase that is dependent on another word or phrase for its meaning.
Synonyms
conditional, subordinate, subservient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dependent |
Used when describing someone who relies on someone else for support or aid. It can also mean something that is determined or influenced by another factor.
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subordinate |
Used to describe someone who is lower in rank or position. It often appears in hierarchical settings such as workplaces or military contexts.
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subservient |
Used when describing someone who is excessively willing to serve or obey others. It has a negative connotation, implying inferiority or submissiveness.
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conditional |
Used when something is true or happens only if certain conditions are met. Commonly seen in formal or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'I will come if you invite me', 'if you invite me' is a dependent clause.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'dependent'
The word 'dependent' originated from the Latin word 'dependere', which means 'to hang down' or 'to rely'. Over time, the word evolved to its current use in English to describe something or someone that relies on another for support or existence. The concept of dependency is prevalent in various aspects of life, from financial and emotional dependency to grammatical structures. Understanding the nuances of dependency is crucial for building strong relationships and effective communication.
See also: depend, dependability, dependable, dependably, dependence, dependency, dependently, independence, independency, independent, interdependence, interdependent, undependable, undependably.