Revised as of
16 June 2023
Huh? Who knew there was such a difference between addicted and dependent and yet so similar?
Addicted is specific about being dependent upon an object, whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or enthusiasm for an activity. Dependent, however, has more than one meaning and can be more metaphysical — and it certainly doesn’t conjure up any enthusiasm!
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Addicted | Dependent |
|---|---|
Addicted by Miwok is in the public domain, via Flickr. |
Danielle & Lilliyan by Robert Whitehead is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr. — A child’s happiness is dependent upon their parent. |
| Part of Grammar: | |
| Adjective | Adjective
It’s also a noun, but this post focuses on comparing the adjectives. |
Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects
|
Usually used as dependent on/upon
[Predic.] Contingent on or determined by Requiring someone or something for financial, emotional, or other support
|
| Examples: | |
| She became addicted to alcohol and diet pills.
He’s addicted to computers. Being addicted to reading is a cheaper (and healthier) addiction than heroin. |
The various benefits will be dependent on length of service.
In an economy heavily dependent on oil exports, we should be more vigorously exploring alternative energy sources. The bill specifically states that it excludes households with dependent children. It’s sad when people become dependent on drugs. In this economy, we have more welfare-dependent families. A dependent clause is also known as a subordinate clause. |
| Derivatives: | |
| Adjectives: nonaddicted, nonaddicting, unaddicted, well-addicted Noun: addict, addictedness, nonaddict |
Adverb: dependently, quasi-dependently Adjective: overdependent, predependent, quasi-dependent |
| History of the Word: | |
| Mid-16th century from the obsolete adjective addict meaning bound or devoted (to someone). It’s from the Latin addict- meaning assigned, from the verb addicere, from ad- (to + dicere (say). | Late Middle English dependant meaning hanging down, from the Old French, present participle of dependre.
The spelling change in the 16th century was due to association with the Latin participial stem dependent-. |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan…which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them…and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Addicted versus Dependent
Apple Dictionary.com
Pinterest Photo Credits
Skull and Crossbones Smoking a Cigarette is in the public domain, via PxFuel.
