dependent and dependant - the difference

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DEPENDENT / DEPENDANT

Dependent means reliant on; whereas, a dependant is a person (usually a child or a spouse).

There is often confusion over the words 'dependent' and 'dependant'.

Dependant

A dependant is person who is dependent on someone else. (For example, a child is dependent on its parents. Therefore, a child is a dependant of its parents.)

Example:

All embassy staff and their dependants must be at the airport by 6 o'clock.
(In this example, the word 'dependants' means spouses and children.)

Dependent

The word "dependent" is an adjective meaning 'contingent on', 'relying on', 'supported by' or 'addicted to'. The word 'dependant' refers to a person and is a noun.

Example:

I am dependent on the weather for a safe crossing.

(reliant on the weather)

Select the correct version:

IN AMERICAN ENGLISH, DEPENDENT IS BOTH ADJECTIVE AND NOUN

Two of my dependents became dependent on heroin.

(should be ...my dependants...)

Two of my dependents became dependent on heroin.

Associated lessons:

What are nouns?
What are adjectives?
List of easily confused words