Dependent-Dependant | Commonly Confused Words
Learn languages with fun

Master confusing words with ease

Dependent vs. Dependant

Dependent

/dɪˈpendənt/
Needing someone or something else for support or help

Examples:

"From that point Dependent is the heaven and nature all.He is very dependent on his mother.'You see, I'm pretty well dependent on the old boy.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Dependant

/dɪˈpendənt/
A person, usually a family member, who relies on someone else for financial support

Examples:

A good night's sleep is often dependant on a calm mind.The child's mood seemed dependant on her favorite toy.Attendance at meetings was heavily dependant on the weather.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Dependant is mainly used in British English, whereas dependent is commonly used in American English.
  • In British English, dependant is often a noun, and dependent is an adjective.
  • Remember that dependent is more universal and can be used both as a noun and an adjective in American English.
  • When thinking of a noun in British English, consider adding an a to dependent to form dependant.
  • Think of the e in dependent and adjective to help recall its adjectival form.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd