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de·pen·dent (dĭ-pĕndənt)
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adj.
1. Determined, influenced, or controlled by something else.
2. Grammar Subordinate to another clause, phrase, or word.
3. Relying on or requiring the aid or support of another: adult children who are still dependent on their parents.
4. Needing to continue use of a drug or other substance or engagement in a specific activity in order to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms: dependent on alcohol.
5. Archaic Hanging down.
n.
also de·pen·dant One who relies on another, especially for financial support.
de·pendent·ly adv.
Synonyms: dependent, conditional, contingent, subject
These adjectives mean determined by something else: a water supply dependent on rainfall; conditional acceptance of the apology; assistance contingent on need; promotion subject to merit.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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