dependent
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “dependent” mean?
adjective.contingent on or determined by.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing social relationships, economics, or scientific concepts, emphasizing the idea of reliance or influence between entities or variables. It highlights a relationship where one factor's existence or state is influenced by another, distinguishing it from similar terms like "independent," which suggests autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Common Confusions
Dependent implies a relationship of reliance on another factor, while independent usually suggests self-sufficiency and a lack of reliance on external influences.
Do not choose dependent if the context emphasizes independence or self-sufficiency rather than being contingent on or determined by.
Example Sentences
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Young children are entirely dependent on adults for their needs.
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At that point I was dependent on financial aid for my tuition.