dependent etymology

Etymology

The word "dependent" comes from the Latin verb "dependere," which means "to hang from." It is related to the Latin nouns "pendis," meaning "hanging," and "pendulum," meaning "a swinging object."

Meaning

A dependent is a person who relies on another person for support or care. This can include children, elderly people, or people with disabilities. Dependents may rely on their caregivers for financial support, housing, food, medical care, or other forms of assistance.

Origin

The concept of dependency has been around for centuries. In ancient Rome, the paterfamilias (head of the household) had the legal responsibility to support his wife, children, and other dependents. This obligation was based on the idea that the family was a unit and that each member had a duty to contribute to its well-being.

The concept of dependency has evolved over time. In the modern era, the state has taken on a greater role in providing support for dependents. This is due in part to the increasing number of people living in poverty and the rising cost of healthcare.

Legal Definition

In many countries, there are legal definitions of dependency. These definitions vary from country to country, but they generally include the following criteria:

  • Age (e.g., children under a certain age are considered dependents)
  • Relationship (e.g., a child of the taxpayer is a dependent)
  • Income (e.g., a dependent must have a low income)
  • Support (e.g., the taxpayer must provide more than half of the dependent's support)

The legal definition of dependency is important because it determines who is eligible for government benefits and tax breaks.

dependent relate terms

  • dependant

    Etymology Origin Middle English dependant from Anglo Norman French dependant from Old

  • dependent

    Etymology The word dependent comes from the Latin verb dependere which means to han

  • dependence

    Etymology The word dependence comes from the Latin word dependere which means to ha

  • co dependent

    Etymology and Origin The term codependent was first coined in the 1970s by psychologis

  • dependent

    Etymology The word dependent comes from the Latin verb dependere which means to han

  • dependency

    Etymology of dependency Latin dependentia Middle French deppendence Old English

  • independent

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word independens meaning not dependent or self g

  • qualified

    Etymology Origin Late Middle English in the sense skilled from Latin qualific

  • precarious

    Etymology The word precarious comes from the Late Latin word precarius meaning obt

  • depend

    Etymology The word depend comes from the Latin word dependere which means to hang

  • proletariat

    Etymology French prolétariat 1796 Coined from Latin proles offspring children

  • addicted

    Etymology Addicted comes from the Latin word addictus which means enslaved surren

  • recipient

    Etymology Latin recipere meaning to take back receive or embrace Meaning A

  • subject

    Etymology The word subject derives from the Late Latin subjectus meaning placed und

  • minion

    Etymology The word minion is derived from the Old French word mignon meaning darlin