What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dependent
Example
The child is dependent on their parents for food and shelter. [dependent: adjective]
Example
The success of the project is dependent on the cooperation of all team members. [dependent: preposition]
Example
The sentence 'Because I was tired' is dependent on the main clause 'I went to bed early.' [dependent: adjective]
reliant
Example
The company is reliant on technology to operate efficiently. [reliant: adjective]
Example
The weather is reliant on atmospheric conditions and can change quickly. [reliant: preposition]
Example
She is reliant on her best friend for emotional support during difficult times. [reliant: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dependent is more commonly used than reliant in everyday language, especially when referring to people who rely on others for support. However, reliant is still a useful word to know and can be used to describe a wide range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dependent and reliant?
Both dependent and reliant are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, they are both appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
