Dependent vs. Dependant: Meaning, Differences & Examples

Dependent vs. Dependant: Key Differences & Examples Difference:

• Dependent (adjective/noun – US & UK English): Reliant on someone/something.
• Example (adjective): "Children are dependent on their parents."
• Example (noun – US): "He listed his son as a dependent on his tax form."
• Dependant (noun – UK English): A person who relies on another for support.
• Example (noun – UK): "She added her elderly mother as a dependant in her insurance."

1. Dependent (adj): "The project is dependent on funding."
2. Dependent (noun – US): "She claimed her sister as a dependent."
3. Dependant (noun – UK): "His visa allows him to bring his dependant spouse."
4. Dependent (adj): "Success is dependent on hard work."
5. Dependant (noun – UK): "The soldier’s dependants receive benefits."

• Dependent (adjective): Describes reliance.
• Example: "The crops are dependent on rain."
• Dependent (noun – US) / Dependant (noun – UK): Refers to a person who relies on another.
• US: "She has three dependents on her health plan."
• UK: "His visa covers two dependants."

• US English: Only uses dependent (both adjective and noun).
• UK English: Uses dependent (adjective) and dependant (noun).

• ❌ Incorrect (UK): "He is a financial dependent." (Should be dependant)
• ✅ Correct (UK): "He is a financial dependant."
• ✅ Correct (US): "He is a financial dependent."

• Think: "A dependant (UK) is a person (both end with ‘-ant’)."
• Dependent (adjective) describes a relationship.

• Adjective (Both US & UK):
• "The outcome is dependent on your effort."
• Noun (US):
• "Tax benefits apply if you have dependents."
• Noun (UK):
• "The policy covers employees and their dependants."

1. "She is financially ___ on her parents." (US & UK)
2. "Add your ___ to the insurance form." (UK spelling)
3. "The results are ___ on accurate data." (US & UK)

1. dependent (adjective)
2. dependant (UK noun)
3. dependent (adjective)