Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Statistics, Mathematics) A variable whose value is determined by the value of another variable (the independent variable). In a functional relationship, it is the output or outcome that is measured or observed.
   • (General) A factor or quantity that changes in response to changes in another factor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the equation y = 2x + 3, y is the dependent variable.
  • The scientist measured plant growth (the dependent variable) under different light conditions.
  • In psychological studies, reaction time is often the dependent variable.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a function of": This phrase is often used to describe the relationship where the dependent variable is determined by the independent variable.
  • The company's profit is a function of its sales volume. (Here, 'profit' is the dependent variable).
• In experimental design: The dependent variable is the specific data collected or the effect that is being tested.
  • The researcher manipulated the drug dosage to observe its effect on the dependent variable, blood pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• Independent variable (n): The variable that is changed or controlled to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
  • In the experiment, temperature was the independent variable.
• Response variable (n): A synonym for dependent variable, commonly used in statistics and experimental sciences.
  • The response variable showed a significant increase.

Synonyms

• Outcome variable: Emphasizes it as the measured result.
• Response variable: Emphasizes it as the reaction to a change.
• Explained variable: Used in statistical modeling (contrasts with 'explanatory variable').

Related Phrases

• "Dependent upon/on": While not a phrasal verb of the noun itself, this adjective phrase describes the relationship.
  • The outcome is dependent on the initial conditions.

Noun

1. (statistics) a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value depends on the independent variable
   • if f(x)=y, y is the dependent variable