Cool MateDependent
UK /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/US /["/dɪˈpendənt/"]/
Definition
needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful
In simple words: Someone or something that relies on another person or thing.
Examples
- 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.
Usage notes
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.
Collocations
- be
- feel
- become
- closely
- deeply
- greatly
- on
- upon
- be
- strongly
- entirely
- fully
Synonyms
- reliant
- contingent
- conditional
- subordinate
- attached
Antonyms
- independent
- self-sufficient
- autonomous
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'independent'
- Using 'dependant' instead of 'dependent' in American English
- Misusing it to describe things that are not reliant on others