reliant
UK[rɪˈlaɪənt]US[rɪˈlaɪənt]
adj
depending on someone or something for help, support, etc.
adj
having confidence based on experience.
Morpheme Breakdown
rely
ant
rely
to bind back or fasten
ant
performing, being in a state, or causing an action
Etymology
the adjective 'reliant' is a relatively modern formation built upon the older verb 'rely'. the verb 'rely' entered english from old french 'relier', which itself derives from latin 'religare', meaning 'to bind back or fasten'. this literal sense of binding or attaching oneself to something evolved metaphorically into the meaning of placing trust or confidence in something. the suffix '-ant', borrowed from latin present participle endings, is used to form adjectives indicating a state or condition. therefore, 'reliant' literally describes the state of being bound to or dependent on another for support, perfectly capturing its modern meaning of dependence.
Analysis
Structure: rely + ant
rely (from latin 'religare', meaning 'to bind back or fasten'), ant (a suffix of latin origin forming adjectives meaning 'performing, being in a state, or causing an action').
Examples
the region is heavily reliant on tourism for its economic survival.
as she grew older, she became more reliant on her reading glasses.
a confident and self-reliant individual can adapt to many challenges.