Definition

A person who relies on another for support, especially financial support.

Example

As a single parent, she has to provide for her child who is her dependant.

Conversation

I heard you have a new dependant now.

Yeah, it's my little brother; he's staying with me for a while.

That must be a big change for you, right?

It is, but I'm enjoying having him around.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dependants are formed from 'depend-' (from Latin 'dependere', meaning to hang from or rely on) and '-ant' (a suffix used to form adjectives or nouns indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word 'dependant' refers to someone who relies on another for support or sustenance.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'hangs' ('dependere') on another for support — that's why a dependant is someone who relies on someone else.

Visually Confused Words