Reliant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reliant

[rษชหˆlaษชษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

dependent on someone or something

Reliant is used to describe someone or something that depends on another person or thing for support, help, or existence. It implies a sense of dependence and reliance on something external.

Synonyms

counting on, dependent, dependent on, relying on.

Examples of usage

  • He was reliant on his parents for financial support.
  • The company was reliant on a single supplier for its raw materials.
  • She was reliant on her medication to manage her condition.
Context #2 | Noun

a person or thing that is dependent on another

As a noun, a reliant is a person or thing that depends on another for support or assistance. It refers to the state of being dependent or relying on something or someone else.

Synonyms

dependent, dependent person, reliant person.

Examples of usage

  • The children were his reliants, relying on him for their care and well-being.
  • The business had several reliants, including its employees and suppliers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, being reliant can refer to attachment styles in relationships, where individuals may depend on their partners for support.
  • High reliance on others can indicate a secure attachment, while low reliance may signal independence or avoidant behaviors.
  • Studies show that relying on social support can significantly reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

Technology

  • In the tech industry, systems or software can be described as reliant if they consistently function without failure.
  • The concept of 'reliability' is crucial in engineering, especially for products that require trust, like safety devices or medical equipment.
  • Cloud computing services often emphasize their reliability, indicating that users can depend on them for data storage and processing.

Sociology

  • In sociology, reliance on community resources can affect individuals' quality of life and access to necessary services.
  • Cultural norms influence how reliant individuals feel they can be on one another, varying from collectivist to individualist societies.
  • Social safety nets, like welfare, serve to create a safety net for those who are reliant on government support.

Literature

  • Characters in literature often face dilemmas that test their reliance on others, enriching narratives with themes of trust and betrayal.
  • Classic literature often explores the dynamics of reliance between characters, emphasizing the importance of community and friendship.
  • In modern novels, protagonists may grapple with their reliance on technology, reflecting societal shifts in dependency.

Origin of 'reliant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'reliant' comes from the Latin root 'reliantem', meaning to rely or depend.
  • First appeared in English in the late 19th century, deriving from the verb 'rely', which has been used since the 14th century.
  • The suffix '-ant' indicates an agent or something that performs an action, creating the meaning of being dependent.

The word 'reliant' originated from the Latin word 'reliantem', which means 'leaning or resting on'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century, derived from the Old French word 'relier' meaning 'to bind'. Over time, 'reliant' has evolved to signify dependency and reliance on someone or something else.


See also: reliability, reliable, reliably, reliance, reliantly, rely, unreliability, unreliable, unreliableness, unreliably.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,527, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.