First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1dependent
adjective de·pen·dent \di-ˈpen-dənt\
: decided or controlled by something else
: needing someone or something else for support, help, etc.
: addicted to alcohol or a drug
Full Definition of DEPENDENT
1
: hanging down
2
a : determined or conditioned by another : contingent <plans that are dependent on the weather> b (1) : relying on another for support <dependent children> (2) : affected with a drug dependence c : subject to another's jurisdiction <a dependent territory> d : subordinate 3a <dependent clauses>
3
a : not mathematically or statistically independent <a dependent set of vectors> <dependent events> b : equivalent 6a <dependent equations>
— de·pen·dent·ly adverb
See dependent defined for English-language learners
See dependent defined for kids
Origin of DEPENDENT
Middle English dependant, from Anglo-French, present participle of dependre
Related to DEPENDENT
- Antonyms
- independent, unconditional
Rhymes with DEPENDENT
2dependent
noun \-dənt\
: a person (such as a child) whose food, clothing, etc., you are responsible for providing
Full Definition of DEPENDENT
1
archaic : dependency
2
: one that is dependent; especially : a person who relies on another for support
See dependent defined for English-language learners
Variants of DEPENDENT
dependent also de·pen·dant \-dənt\
First Known Use of DEPENDENT
1523
DEPENDENT Defined for Kids
1dependent
adjective de·pen·dent \di-ˈpen-dənt\
Definition of DEPENDENT for Kids
1
: determined by something or someone else <Our plans are dependent on the weather.>
2
: relying on someone else for support
3
: requiring or addicted to a drug or alcohol
2dependent
noun
Definition of DEPENDENT for Kids
: a person who depends upon another for support
Learn More About DEPENDENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dependent covenantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dependencyAll Words Near: dependent
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dependent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).