Words / C1

di-PEND-uh-nt/dɪˈpendənt/

Dependent (adjective) means needing support: dependent on the grant, a dependent relative. The British noun for a person you support is often dependant (with an a); American English uses dependent for both. Depend is the verb (already in the dictionary). Independent is the opposite. Do not write “dependent from”.

Meaning

Needing someone or something for support (dependent on).

Examples

• “The project is dependent on next year’s grant.”
• “The project is dependent on next year’s funding, not on goodwill.”
• “In British forms, list dependants with an a; the adjective is still dependent on.”

Good to know

dependent on (adjective). BrE noun (person): dependant. Verb: depend. Opposite: independent. Not “dependent from”.

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