Dependent vs Dependant
What’s the difference between them?
Dependent
Meaning:
noun and adjective; reliant on something else; contingent upon something else.
Examples:
1. I am dependent upon my parents for financial support.
2. The success of the project is dependent on the quality of the materials.
3. The decision is dependent on the outcome of the meeting.
Dependant
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English for noun.
Examples:
1. I am the sole dependant of my grandparents.
2. The company's success is dependant on its employees.
3. The success of the project is dependant on how much money is invested.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Dependent
1. Subordinate
2. Reliant
3. Contingent
4. Subject to
5. Derived from
1. Independent
2. Self-Sufficient
3. Autonomous
4. Self-Reliant
5. Self-Governing
Dependant
1. Subordinate
2. Reliant
3. Contingent
4. Subject to
5. Derived from
1. Independent
2. Self-Sufficient
3. Autonomous
4. Self-Reliant
5. Self-Governing
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Dependent", "Dependant".
1. Dependent is the preferred spelling in American English.
2. Dependant is the preferred spelling in British English.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'dependent' be used?
Dependent is typically used as an adjective to describe something that relies on something else, like 'She has a dependent child.' It is also used when referring to tax exemptions for dependents.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'dependant'?
Dependant is typically used as an adjective to describe something that relies on something else, but in British English, while dependent is used in American English.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have different pronunciations. Dependent is pronounced with a long ‘e’ and dependant is pronounced with a short ‘e’ sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is using them incorrect in different regions. Remember that 'dependent' is popular in American English, while 'dependant' is more widely recognized in British English.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The young child is still a ________ on his parents for financial support.
2. In American English, its common to write ________ when referring to someone who relies on another.
3. If you live in the UK, you might use ________ to describe someone who is reliant on another for support.
4. The outcome of the experiment is ________ on the initial conditions.
5. In many insurance policies, theres a section dedicated to covering the policyholders ________.
6. The success of the project is ________ on the teams collaboration and effort.
1. Dependant/Dependent
Explanation: Both variants can fit in the sentence since no specific clue is provided.
2. Dependent
Explanation: The clue American English indicates the use of the American spelling dependent.
3. Dependant
Explanation: The clue live in the UK indicates the British English spelling dependant.
4. Dependent
Explanation: Here, were using the term as an adjective, and both British and American English use dependent in this sense.
5. Dependant
Explanation: The context is about insurance, where the term often refers to those reliant on the policyholder (like children or spouses). Given that dependant is the noun form in British English, its the appropriate choice here.
6. Dependent
Explanation: In this context, were using the term as an adjective, and both British and American English use dependent in this sense.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
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