# Reciprocal of "depends on"

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 11, 2010, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938 "2010-08-11T15:22:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938/21 "2010-08-13T16:17:18Z")

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> [@Nature\_s\_Call](#):
>
> Maybe **TriPolar** is right about using the same word with prepositions: if A binkles B, then the only thing you can say of the reverse is “B is binkled by A.”

I’m sure Chessic’s intent was to give you an accurate answer to your specific question, while I gave my opinion on a more general matter. I’m glad that you realize the nature of the problem though. I’ve had too much experience in deciphering the intended meaning of relationships and other nuanced concepts as expressed in natural language. Brevity may be the soul of wit, but it can be the heart of misunderstanding as well.

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**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938/22 "2010-08-13T16:34:47Z")

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> [@Nature\_s\_Call](#):
>
> I was hoping for active voice, but I’m convinced now that in this case the passive “is dependent on” is the only way to minimize misunderstanding.  
> …  
> Maybe **TriPolar** is right about using the same word with prepositions: if A binkles B, then the only thing you can say of the reverse is “B is binkled by A.”

The equivalent construct for “A depends on B” (as in OP) would be “B is depended on by A.”

“B is dependent on A” means the _opposite_ of that, and the _same_ as “B depends on A.”

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**Author:** ![Nature\_s\_Call](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nature_s_call/32/19006_2.png) [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938/23 "2010-08-13T17:30:43Z")

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> [@spark240](#):
>
> “B is dependent on A” means the _opposite_ of that, and the _same_ as “B depends on A.”

Slaps forehead… Never code drunk, kids 🙂

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**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reciprocal-of-depends-on/549938/24 "2010-08-13T17:55:38Z")

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> [@spark240](#):
>
> > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#):
> >
> > A depends on B, B is dependent on A.
> 
> What? No. Those mean the same thing. You’re saying that each depends on the other. “Enables,” “governs,” “controls” and “determines” are conceivable suggestions thus far that work, _depending_ on context. “Supports” is similar, but doesn’t connote a _need_, which is what dependency is.

Yep: :smack:

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