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I am looking for a word that is the reverse of the dependant relation.

For example: If Bob financially/physically/.... depends on Alice, Bob is a dependant of Alice and Alice is a ..... of Bob.

Any input?

Sreeja
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    Dependency in the computer science sense. Patron in an artistic sense. Enabler in a substance abuse sense. Others in other contexts. – Dan Bron Jun 07 '21 at 10:20
  • Thanks a lot! Does enabler have a negative notion associated? Otherwise, I think for my situation that suits the best. – Sreeja Jun 07 '21 at 10:24
  • Yes, it does. The enabler enablers the person’s dependency, which in the context “enabler” is used, is universally bad. – Dan Bron Jun 07 '21 at 10:25
  • Perhaps "benefactory" – GArthurBrown Jun 07 '21 at 10:40
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    "benefactor" is the usual noun, not benefactory. – Stuart F Jun 07 '21 at 12:05
  • Sponsor might also be used, in most contexts where patron could be. However, Sponsor has a broader meaning. – Jeff Zeitlin Jun 07 '21 at 12:47
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    As noted, "dependent" has a lot of meanings in a lot of contexts. That's because it's a Metaphor. The original source is of something hanging from something else in a gravitational field. If the connection fails, the dependent thing falls. Substitute your favorite force for gravity, your favorite abstraction as the connection, your favorite values for f=ma, and compute. The fact that it has so many possible inverses is a result of its being used in so many different contexts metaphorically. There is no single inverse term. – John Lawler Jun 07 '21 at 15:06
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    Caretaker or caregiver are used when the level of dependency is very high (that is, when the dependent person requires assistance for very basic tasks). It's kind of funny that a pair of words ending in -giver and -taker are synonyms, but that's English for you. – Canadian Yankee Jun 07 '21 at 15:23
  • Come on now: the opposite of dependent is independent. Bob is financially independent of Alice. It's dependence and independence. – Lambie Mar 04 '22 at 22:10

1 Answers1

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You may use patron in many circumstances like this.

patron = a person or group that gives money or support to a person, an activity, or an organization

Cambridge

patron = one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause

Merriam Webster

The word has a long history, going back to Roman times. Your example of a dependant may be regarded as client:

Clientship, Latin Clientela, in ancient Rome, the relationship between a man of wealth and influence (patron) and a free client; the client acknowledged his dependence on the patron and received protection in return. This sort of relationship was recognized in law as early as the 5th century BC; by the 1st century BC it had become hereditary. Freed slaves were automatically clients of their former owners. The patron might support his client in the courts or supply him with daily food, often converted into cash (sportula). The client was expected to show deference to his patron, especially by calling upon him each morning (salutatio) and by aiding him in his private and public life.

Britannica

Anton
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    A late-coming downvote is a complete mystery to me. Why a reasonably argued answer is not acceptable should be explained to the PO, preferably with references and reasons that refute my arguments. – Anton Mar 07 '22 at 22:22