What does dependently mean?
Dependently is an uncommon English adverb meaning 'in a manner that depends on something else.' It describes actions, states, or values that are conditioned by another factor rather than standing alone: a variable may be set dependently, a decision made dependently on new information. The word derives from 'dependent,' which traces back through Latin 'dependere,' meaning to hang down from or rely upon — the same root that gives us 'pendant' and 'pending.' Because English strongly prefers the independent branch of this word family, 'dependently' remains rare and formal, appearing chiefly in technical, scientific, and logical contexts where precision matters. In everyday speech and writing, speakers typically avoid it altogether, preferring phrases such as 'depending on' or 'as appropriate.' Its very scarcity makes it a striking example of how unevenly English distributes its derivations: we say 'independently' constantly, while its near-opposite survives only at the margins of the language.
adverbIn a manner that depends on something else; conditionally or contingently, rather than independently.
- In a manner determined or conditioned by something else; as a consequence of or depending on circumstances or another factor.
"The two variables cannot be adjusted freely; they must be set dependently."
"The dosage is adjusted dependently, based on the patient's weight and age."
"The two modules were designed to operate dependently, each relying on the other's output."
While 'independent' and 'independently' are everyday words, their mirror image 'dependently' is so rare it barely registers in most dictionaries — proof that English grows some branches of a word family far more eagerly than others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dependently
Dependently is formed from the adjective 'dependent' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly.' 'Dependent' comes from Latin 'dependens,' the present participle of 'dependere,' meaning 'to hang down from' or 'to be contingent upon,' from 'de-' ('down from') and 'pendere' ('to hang'). The same Latin root produced English words such as 'pendant,' 'pending,' and 'pension' via French. The adverb arose in English alongside its base adjective, though it never achieved the currency of related forms like 'independently.'
Related word forms
How dependently is actually used
A rare, formal adverb found mostly in technical, academic, and logical writing; native speakers more often rephrase using 'depending on' constructions (e.g., 'varying depending on conditions') than reach for 'dependently'.
Easily confused with dependently
Independently means without reliance on anything else, whereas dependently means in a way conditioned on something else — they are near-opposites despite sharing the same ending.