Basic Details
Word: Dependent
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Needing someone or something for support, help or money; also decided by something else, as in dependent on the weather.
Synonyms: reliant, relying
Antonyms: independent, self-reliant
Sounds like: dependant (in British English, a noun for a person, such as a child, who relies on you for money)
How to Spell Dependent
Syllables: de - pen - dent
Tricky part: The adjective is spelt with three e's. Students write dependint or start with di.
Watch out for: dependint, dipendent, depandent
Memory tip: Count the e's: d-E-p-E-nd-E-nt. Independent keeps the same three and adds in.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Young chicks are dependent on the hen for warmth.
Example 2: Whether we play the match is dependent on the rain.
Example 3: Many villages are still dependent on one well for water.
Fun Fact
In British English, the adjective is dependent but the noun for a person who depends on you is often spelt dependant, so a tax form may ask about your dependants.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word dependent as used in the sentence:
Young elephants remain dependent on their mothers for several years.
a) helpless
b) reliant
c) needy
d) independent
Show answer
d) independent. Independent means able to manage alone, the opposite of relying on someone.
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
d_pend_nt
a) e, e
b) i, e
c) a, i
d) e, i
Show answer
a) e, e. Both gaps take e, giving the three e's of the adjective.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. intolerent 2. dependent 3. dominent 4. independance
a) freedom from control by others
b) unwilling to accept other people's ideas
c) relying on someone for help
d) most powerful or important
Show answer
c) relying on someone for help. Independence ends in ence, while intolerant and dominant end in ant.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In British English, a child or elderly parent who relies on you for money is your ____.
a) defendant
b) attendant
c) dependant
d) descendant
Show answer
c) dependant
2. Plants are dependent on sunlight to make their ____.
a) roots
b) food
c) seeds
d) bark
Show answer
b) food
