VocabDictionary

dependents

/dɪˈpɛndənts/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

People, especially children or elderly relatives, who rely on another person for financial support or basic needs.

Example Sentences:
  • The tax form requires you to list all of your dependents, including children and elderly parents.
  • As a single parent with three dependents, she had to budget her income very carefully.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “dependents”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang down from'. The prefix 'de-' (down) combined with 'pendere' (to hang) evolved into the Middle French 'dependre', eventually entering English in the 15th century to describe someone who 'hangs' on another for support or sustenance.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who 'depends' on you for their 'pennies' (money) to survive.

Frequently Asked Questions About “dependents

1. What is the meaning of “dependents” in English?

In English, dependents (noun) is defined as: “People, especially children or elderly relatives, who rely on another person for financial support or basic needs.”.

2. How do you use “dependents” in a sentence?

The tax form requires you to list all of your dependents, including children and elderly parents.

3. What are English synonyms of “dependents”?

Common synonyms include:wards,charges,beneficiaries,subordinates

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “dependents”?

Derived from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang down from'. The prefix 'de-' (down) combined with 'pendere' (to hang) evolved into the Middle French 'dependre', eventually entering English in the 15th century to describe someone who 'hangs' on another for support or sustenance.