Dependent vs Dependant | Meaning & Difference
Dependent and dependant are different spellings of the noun meaning “a person who is financially reliant on you.”
- In American English, you spell this noun with an “e” (e.g., “The insurance covers you and your dependents”).
- In British English, you spell this noun with an “a” (e.g., “The insurance covers you and your dependants”).
- The adjective meaning “reliant” is spelled the same way in both American and British English (e.g., “A child is dependent on its parents”).
The new immigration rules are causing more people to be separated from their spouses, children, and other dependents/dependants. [Noun]
The country has become less dependent/dependent on oil imports. [Adjective]
You will receive additional support for each dependent/dependent child in your household. [Adjective]
Dependent definition
If a person or thing is dependent on something, it needs it or is influenced by it in an important way.
When used like this, “dependent” is an adjective and frequently combines with the adverbs “very,” “closely,” “greatly,” “heavily,” and “highly.”
Our restaurant is heavily dependent on lunch-time customers.
The success of this project is highly dependent on how well we work together as a team.
A dependent is “a person who relies on you for support, especially financial support.” When used like this, “dependent” is a noun.
- In American English, “dependent” is the correct spelling of this noun.
- In British English, “dependant” is the correct spelling of this noun.
Certain pension plans extend coverage to spouses and other financial dependents/dependants.
Dependant meaning
In British English, dependant (with an “a”) means “someone who relies on you for their basic needs, such as financial support” (e.g., “This salary is too low for someone supporting children or other dependants”).
In American English, this noun is spelled dependent (with an “e”).
She took time off work to care for a dependant/dependent.
Dependance vs dependence
Dependence and dependance are alternative spellings of the same word but the most widely used and recommended spelling in both American and British English is “dependence.”
“Dependence” is a noun meaning “reliance” or “a constant need.”
He has now overcome the drug dependence/dependance that threatened to finish his career.
Frequently asked questions about dependent vs dependant
- What is a synonym for dependent?
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Synonyms for the adjective dependent include:
- Reliant
- Beholden (to)
- Contingent
- Conditional
On a related note, if you can’t decide whether to spell it dependent or dependant, bear in mind that “dependent” is always correct in American English.
You can use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “dependent” in your specific context.
- What is a dependant?
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A dependant is “a person who is reliant on you for their basic needs” (e.g., a child or relative whom you support financially).
This noun is spelled dependant or dependent; “dependant” is the British English spelling, and “dependent” is the American English spelling.
Have you tried out QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker? You can set it to your variety of English (US, UK, Canadian, or Australian English) when checking your text for typos.
