dependant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dependant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective or a noun to refer to a person or a thing that depends on another person or thing. For example: "The dependant child was taken in by a loving family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Departments and ministries of non-English-speaking countries are lc, eg French ministry of the interior, Iraqi foreign ministry dependant noun; dependent adjective; dependence depositary person; depository place deprecate express disapproval; depreciate reduce in value.

The Guardian

When Brooke was first born, Lewis couldn't claim benefits because they considered him a dependant on his girlfriend's student loans; but she couldn't go to college because she was busy having a baby.

The Guardian

The fear is that players of his generation can become infantilised, as mechanically dependant as infuriatingly over-dressed modern cars, with their electronically variable valve-timing, their six months in the workshop to recalibrate the flux capacitor that powers the wing mirror hinge.

The Guardian - Sport

It is an admission of the real position Ireland finds itself in after the boom went bust – a nation that is vulnerable, dependant and weak vis-a-vis other more powerful EU states.

The Guardian

A senior Labour MP I spoke to during the Eastleigh ballot said that making benefits dependant on contributions would allow Britain to curb unwarranted demands on the hard-pressed state in the same way that other EU states manage.

The Guardian

This worst-case scenario is central to "Dangerous Allies", a controversial new book on the consequences of Australia's sentiment for imperial allegiance first as a subject of the British Empire and then as a strategic dependant of the US.

The Economist

They cannot buy housing, and remain dependant on village land for security in their old age.

The Economist

I would argue that means there is a non-zero risk that some members will be forced to exit the euro zone for economic reasons (Italy has been the most recent speculation; its industrial base of small manufacturers was dependant on currency devaluations to keep their exports competitive).

The Economist

Within a decade India will have the biggest potential workforce in the world.In this section Wall Street is back What a waste A dangerous result Four hundred parts per million Subject: Asset protection and regime change ReprintsOptimists look forward to a bumper "demographic dividend", the result of more workers per dependant and more saving out of income.

The Economist

(According to the National Transfer Accounts pioneered by Ronald Lee and Andrew Mason, 60 is the age at which the average Chinese earns less than he consumes, becoming, in effect, a dependant).But it's interesting that the NBS chose to rejig the definition of working age for this press conference.

The Economist

The first rule of investment is to diversify your risks as much as possible, and there's nothing less diversified than having your paycheck and your retirement savings dependant upon the same industry.Otherwise, if you are not a pharmaceutical researcher, then you are almost certainly in essence just guessing randomly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid confusion, double-check your spelling of "dependant" as it is frequently mistaken for "dependent". Proofreading is key to maintaining clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

The most common error is using "dependant" when "dependent" is intended. "Dependant" is typically a noun, referring to a person who relies on another for financial support, while "dependent" is the adjective. Ensure you're using the correct form based on its function in the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "dependant" functions as both an adjective and a noun. Ludwig AI explains that it refers to someone or something relying on another. While grammatically correct, it's less common than "dependent", primarily used to describe a person who relies on another for support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dependant" is a grammatically correct term that can function as both an adjective and a noun, primarily indicating reliance or dependence. However, Ludwig AI highlights that the spelling "dependent" is far more common, especially as an adjective. Usage analysis reveals its frequent appearance in news and media, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist employing it. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience, and consider that "dependent" might be the more widely accepted choice. Remember, choosing between "dependant" and "dependent" impacts clarity and credibility, so proofreading is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on

This is the more common and preferred spelling of the same concept.

reliant on

Focuses on the act of relying on something or someone for support or help.

contingent upon

Highlights the conditional aspect, where something's existence or occurrence is subject to something else.

supported by

Directly indicates that something receives backing or assistance from another source.

subsidiary to

Suggests a secondary or supporting role, relying on a primary entity.

maintained by

Highlights the provision of necessary resources or care by another entity.

subordinate to

Emphasizes a hierarchical relationship where one entity is under the authority or control of another.

beholden to

Implies a sense of obligation or indebtedness to someone or something.

at the mercy of

Highlights the vulnerability and lack of control, being subject to the whims of something else.

inextricably linked to

Emphasizes a close and inseparable connection, where one thing is fundamentally tied to another.

FAQs

What is the difference between "dependant" and "dependent"?

"Dependant" is primarily used as a noun to describe someone who relies on another for financial support, whereas "dependent" is typically used as an adjective meaning relying on someone or something else. While "dependant" is an accepted spelling, "dependent" is more common.

When should I use "dependant" versus "dependent"?

Use "dependant" as a noun to refer to a person who relies on someone else for support. Use "dependent" as an adjective to describe something that relies on or is determined by something else. However, be aware that "dependent" is increasingly used for both noun and adjective forms.

Are there synonyms for "dependant" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "reliant on", "contingent upon", or "supported by". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing a substitute.

Is "dependant" considered an outdated spelling?

While "dependant" is still a valid spelling, it is less common than "dependent", especially in American English. In modern usage, "dependent" is often preferred for both the noun and adjective forms. Consider the context and audience when deciding which spelling to use.