reliant
re-LY-unt
/rɪˈlaɪ.ənt/
Dependent on someone or something for support, help, or survival.
Reliant is a neutral term that simply describes the state of needing something else to function properly.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Old French 'relier', meaning 'to bind together', the word suggests a bond so strong that one cannot move without the other. It shares a history with 'ligament', the tissue that binds our bones together.
Word relationships
- dependent: Dependent is a direct synonym but can sometimes imply a more permanent or total lack of autonomy.
- independent: Independent implies a complete lack of need for outside support.
Commonly confused with
- reliable: Reliant means you depend on others; reliable means others can depend on you.
Word family
- reliance (noun): The state of depending on something.
- rely (verb): To depend on with confidence.
Collocations
- heavily reliant
- increasingly reliant
- solely reliant
Example sentences
- "The local economy is heavily reliant on seasonal tourism for its annual revenue." Economic analysis of tourism-heavy regions.
- "We have become increasingly reliant on smartphones for even the simplest of daily tasks." A discussion on modern technology habits.
Memory hook
Think of a 'reliant' person as being 'tied' (ligated) to their source of support. Reliant is tied to the giant (support).
When not to use
Avoid using 'reliant' when you mean 'reliable' (trustworthy); being reliant means you need help, while being reliable means you give it.
Fun facts
- The Reliant Robin was a famous three-wheeled car in the UK, ironically named because it often needed help staying upright!
Related words
Explore more words
rely, self-reliant, neutral, self-sufficient, symbiotic, pauper
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