dependant
B2Formal, legal, administrative
Definition
Meaning
A person who relies on another, especially for financial support.
Someone who is legally supported by another person, such as a child, spouse, or elderly relative. In UK English, also used as an adjective meaning 'contingent upon'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically refers to legal or financial relationships. Often used in tax forms, insurance policies, and legal documents. Conveys a formal relationship of responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'dependant' is the noun (a person), while 'dependent' is the adjective (relying on). In American English, 'dependent' is used for both noun and adjective forms.
Connotations
UK usage maintains a clearer grammatical distinction. US usage simplifies spelling.
Frequency
The noun form 'dependant' is common in UK official documents; in US contexts, 'dependent' predominates for both functions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be a dependant of someoneto have someone as a dependantto list someone as a dependantVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mouths to feed (informal for dependants)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR forms for benefits enrollment: 'Please list all dependants for health insurance.'
Academic
In sociology papers discussing family structures and economic support systems.
Everyday
Less common; more typical in official contexts like tax returns or insurance claims.
Technical
Legal definition varies by jurisdiction but generally includes children under a certain age, disabled adults, or elderly parents under care.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A (no verb form)
American English
- N/A (no verb form)
adverb
British English
- N/A (no adverb form)
American English
- N/A (no adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The allowance is dependant on your income. (less common, 'dependent' preferred)
- Success is dependant upon hard work.
American English
- The allowance is dependent on your income.
- Success is dependent upon hard work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has two dependants: her son and her daughter.
- How many dependants do you have on your tax return?
- The insurance policy covers all legal dependants, including adopted children.
- Changes to the immigration rules affect those with dependants residing overseas.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A dependANT is a person (noun ending in -ANT) who relies on you, like an ANT in a colony relying on the queen.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPENDENCY IS A BURDEN / DEPENDENCY IS A RESPONSIBILITY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'зависимый' which broadly means 'addicted' or 'dependent' in a psychological sense. Use 'иждивенец' for the legal/financial noun.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dependant' as an adjective in American English (should be 'dependent').
- Misspelling as 'dependent' in UK English when a noun is intended.
- Using informally to mean 'someone who depends on you emotionally' without financial/legal aspect.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'dependant' correctly in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. American English standardly uses 'dependent' for both noun and adjective. 'Dependant' may appear in older texts or due to British influence but is not the preferred form.
Yes, if that adult is legally or financially supported by another, e.g., a disabled adult, an elderly parent, or a spouse not earning income.
UK: noun = dependant, adjective = dependent. US: noun and adjective = dependent.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, legal, financial, and administrative contexts. In everyday conversation, people might say 'someone they support' or 'their kids' instead.