Dependently

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that relies on the existence of another element for its functioning
2. In a way that requires support or connection from something else to operate
3. Executing an action or process influenced or controlled by an external factor

Etymology: "Dependently" is a plain formation: the adjective "dependent" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added, so it means "in a dependent manner" or "relying on others." The adjective "dependent" came into English from Latin "dependere," meaning "to hang down from," built from "de-" (down) and "pendere" (to hang). The sense of hanging from something gave rise to the idea of being supported by, or relying on, something else. The ending does the adverbial work. It descends from a Germanic suffix that meant "having the form or appearance of," which in Old English appeared as "-līce" and gradually shortened to the "-ly" we use today. So "dependently" is literally "in the manner of one that depends," a form of phrasing that has been available in English since the Old English period.

Synonyms: conditionally, relatively, submissively, reliantly, contingently

Antonyms: independently, autonomously, self-sufficiently, freely, unconditionally