Word Choice: Dependant vs. Dependent

The words ‘dependant’ and ‘dependent’ cause a lot of confusion. This is due to being similar in spelling but differing in meaning. It is also because, in American English, ‘dependent’ is used as both a noun and an adjective.

But what is the difference between these terms? And how should you use them in your work?

Dependant (A Person Requiring Support)

In British English (as well as Australian, Canadian and New Zealand English), ‘dependant’ is a noun meaning ‘a person who depends on someone else for support’.

This is usually a family member, such as a child or elderly person, and typically refers to financial support, so we might say something like:

Some countries use tax credits to support low earners with multiple dependants.

This spelling is not used in American English, however, where ‘dependent’ is standard.

Dependent (Reliant Upon)

In British English, ‘dependent’ is an adjective meaning ‘reliant upon’. This can be to rely upon someone or something for support:

I’m dependent upon my family for rent money, since my internship is unpaid.

Or it can indicate that someone is unable to cope without something (such as an alcohol or drug dependency).

Alternatively, ‘dependent’ can also mean ‘determined by’, and we can use it to describe something that is contingent upon something else:

The accuracy of the experiment is dependent on the quality of equipment used.

In each case, the important factor is that ‘dependent’ means ‘relying upon’ something or someone else.

Dependant or Dependent?

If you’re using American English, there’s no problem here; simply use ‘dependent’ and get on with your day. But in British English, even though many dictionaries now list ‘dependent’ as an alternative spelling of ‘dependant’, making the distinction is still important for the sake of clarity.

The crucial thing to keep in mind is that ‘dependant’ is a noun and ‘dependent’ is an adjective.

As such, ‘dependant’ always names a thing (typically a person), while ‘dependent’ is used to describe a relationship between two things (where one relies upon the other). Remember:

Dependant (noun) = A person who depends on someone else for support

Dependent (adjective) = Contingent or reliant upon something