B2adjective 2K

Dependent

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/

Meaning of Dependent

needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

In simple words: Someone or something that relies on another person or thing.

Dependent in a sentence

• The child is dependent on his parents for food and shelter.
• Many elderly people are dependent on medication to manage their health.
• In statistics, a dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable.
• The project’s success is dependent on the team’s cooperation.
• She feels emotionally dependent on her close friends during difficult times.
• The economy is heavily dependent on natural resources for growth.

How to use Dependent

Use 'dependent' when discussing relationships where one party relies on another. More formal in writing, but acceptable in spoken language. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms are more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

dependent + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'dependent' as 'D for Drained' — when you need someone, you feel drained.

Related words

Collocations with Dependent

• be
• feel
• become
• closely
• deeply
• greatly
• on
• upon
• be
• strongly
• entirely
• fully

Synonyms for Dependent

• reliant
• contingent
• conditional
• subordinate
• attached

Opposites of Dependent

• independent
• self-sufficient
• autonomous

Common mistakes with Dependent

• Confused with 'independent'
• Using 'dependant' instead of 'dependent' in American English
• Misusing it to describe things that are not reliant on others

Frequently asked questions about Dependent

What does Dependent mean?

Someone or something that relies on another person or thing.

What is the definition of Dependent?

needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

How do you use Dependent in a sentence?

The child is dependent on his parents for food and shelter.

Can you give another example of Dependent?

Many elderly people are dependent on medication to manage their health.

What are synonyms for Dependent?

Common alternatives include reliant, contingent, conditional, subordinate, attached.

What is the opposite of Dependent?

Opposite meanings include independent, self-sufficient, autonomous.

What words go with Dependent?

It commonly pairs with be, feel, become, closely, deeply, greatly, on, upon, be, strongly, entirely, fully.

What are common mistakes when using Dependent?

Confused with 'independent' Using 'dependant' instead of 'dependent' in American English Misusing it to describe things that are not reliant on others

How do you pronounce Dependent?

US: /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Dependent?

Use 'dependent' when discussing relationships where one party relies on another. More formal in writing, but acceptable in spoken language. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms are more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Dependent?

"Dependent" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.