Dependent Meaning
Dependent Definition & Usage
Being reliant on or needing someone or something for support, existence, or maintenance.
Examples
- "After the accident, John became dependent on his family for daily care."
- "She felt dependent on her friends' advice during tough decisions."
- "The country's economy is heavily dependent on exports."
- "Children are dependent on their parents for food and shelter."
- "The company is dependent on the local supply chain for its products."
Determined or conditioned by something else.
Examples
- "The results are dependent on the accuracy of the data collected."
- "The outcome of the trial is dependent on the witnesses' testimony."
- "The success of the project is highly dependent on funding."
- "The student’s admission is dependent on their final exam scores."
- "The completion of the task is dependent on the weather conditions."
A person who relies on another for support, especially financial support.
Examples
- "The government provides assistance to the dependents of war veterans."
- "She claimed a tax deduction for her dependents, including her children."
- "The social worker visited the family to check on the dependents of the elderly couple."
- "As a single parent, he is the sole provider for his dependents."
- "A dependent may be a spouse, child, or elderly relative living under someone's care."
Cultural Context
The concept of dependence is central in both personal relationships and societal structures. In Western cultures, especially in family dynamics, the term 'dependent' is often associated with children and elderly individuals who require care and financial support. In other cultural contexts, such as in collectivist societies, the concept of dependence might also apply to extended family networks, where mutual support is valued.
The Ties That Bind
Story
The Ties That Bind
Sarah had always been independent. She worked hard, managed her own finances, and prided herself on her ability to handle whatever life threw her way. But when her father fell ill, she found herself dependent on her family in ways she never imagined. As his condition worsened, Sarah had to rely on her older brother, Mark, to help with caregiving. Despite her initial reluctance to ask for help, she soon realized that their support was crucial to getting through the tough days. Meanwhile, Sarah's daughter, Lily, had become dependent on Sarah for emotional comfort during the long nights when her father wasn’t feeling well. Sarah knew she couldn’t do it all on her own. She had to face a difficult truth: being dependent didn’t mean weakness, it just meant sharing the load. On the flip side, Mark’s financial situation was also dependent on the success of his new business venture. He worried every day that if it didn’t succeed, he might be forced to rely on Sarah for support. It was a strange role reversal, and as they all sat down to dinner one night, Sarah reflected on how their family's dependence on each other was what kept them strong. They were a unit, bound not only by blood but by the silent agreements that defined their interdependence.
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