Reliant

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Dependent on someone or something for support, help, or supply
2. Dependent on others for help, resources, or support in various situations
3. Needing someone or something else to provide support or aid

Etymology: "Reliant" is simply "rely" with the suffix "-ant" attached, so its story is mostly the story of that suffix. The ending traces back through Latin "-ans" and "-ant" to a Proto-Indo-European participle ending, and it reached English through Old French, where it was the regular way to form present participles and adjectives. Old English had its own version, "-ende," which later wore down to the "-ant" seen here. "Rely" itself came into English from Old French "relier," meaning to bind together again, which is the sense that lies behind the modern idea of depending on something. The Old French word came from Latin "religare," to tie back or fasten, so a person who is reliant is, at root, one who is tied to someone or something else.

Synonyms: dependent, trusting, confident

Antonyms: independent, self-sufficient