dependant

/dɪˈpɛndənt/

What does "dependant" mean in English?

person who relies on another

The single mother has two dependants under the age of five.

The single mother has two children who rely on her for support.

Law

formal

A person who relies on another for financial support or care.

In tax law, a dependant must meet specific criteria to qualify for deductions.

Tax laws require dependants to fulfill certain conditions to be claimed as exemptions.

Commonly used in legal and financial contexts, especially in tax filings and inheritance cases.

financial dependantsomeone financially reliant on anothertax dependanta dependant claimed for tax purposes

Use 'dependant' for the noun in British English (e.g., 'tax dependant') and 'dependent' in American English.

In legal terms, a dependant must be financially reliant and typically lives with or is supported by another person.

From Latin *dependere* (to hang down, be dependent), via Old French *dependant*, meaning 'one who is supported by another.'

While 'dependant' is the British spelling, 'dependent' is standard in American English. The word is often used in legal and financial documents.

de-

down from

prefix

-pend-

to hang

root

-ant

one who

suffix

English Dictionary