Dependence: meaning, definitions and examples

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dependence

 

[ dɪˈpɛndəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

on others

The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.

Synonyms

reliability, reliance, trust.

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Word Description / Examples
dependence

Use to describe a state where someone or something is heavily or entirely reliant on another person or thing, often suggesting a lack of independence or self-sufficiency. This term can have a negative connotation, especially in contexts related to substance dependence.

  • His dependence on alcohol has ruined his personal and professional life.
  • The economy's dependence on oil must be reduced to achieve sustainability.

Examples of usage

  • Children often have a sense of dependence on their parents for support and guidance.
  • The country's economy has a heavy dependence on oil exports.
Context #2 | Noun

on substances

The state of being addicted to a particular substance, such as drugs or alcohol.

Synonyms

addiction, craving, habit.

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Word Description / Examples
dependence

Commonly used in formal contexts to describe a state of relying on something or someone for support, often used in medical or psychological fields when referring to a non-substance-related reliance.

  • Her dependence on her parents for financial support was concerning.
  • The patient's dependence on the medication needs to be monitored by a doctor.
addiction

Used to describe a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance or activity, often has a negative connotation and is associated with physical or psychological harm.

  • He struggled with addiction to online games for many years.
  • Her addiction to alcohol has caused severe damage to her health.
habit

Refers to a regular practice or routine that is hard to give up, often used in neutral or slightly positive contexts.

  • He has a habit of jogging every morning before work.
  • Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good habit to maintain.
craving

Refers to a strong desire or urge for something, usually in the context of food, drink, or experiences; less formal and less severe than addiction.

  • She had a sudden craving for chocolate ice cream.
  • During her pregnancy, she experienced strange cravings for pickles.

Examples of usage

  • His dependence on alcohol has caused many problems in his personal and professional life.
  • She sought help to overcome her dependence on prescription painkillers.
Context #3 | Noun

on technology

The reliance on technological devices or systems for everyday activities.

Synonyms

reliability, reliance, trust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dependence

Used when referring to a state of needing something or someone for support, often implying a lack of autonomy. Can carry a negative connotation, especially in contexts such as substance dependence.

  • Her dependence on medication has increased over the years.
  • The country's dependence on foreign aid is a pressing issue.
reliance

Used to describe the act of depending on something or someone for support or help. Often neutral and has a broader application compared to dependence.

  • Our reliance on renewable energy sources is increasing.
  • She has a strong reliance on her mentor's advice.
reliability

Used to describe the quality of being trustworthy and performing consistently well. Often used in technical contexts or when discussing a person's consistency.

  • The reliability of this car makes it a popular choice among families.
  • We need to assess the reliability of the data before drawing conclusions.
trust

Used to describe a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Carries a positive connotation and is often used in interpersonal relationships.

  • I have complete trust in her abilities.
  • Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship.

Examples of usage

  • The younger generation's dependence on smartphones is evident in their constant use.
  • The company's dependence on outdated software hindered its progress.

Translations

Translations of the word "dependence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dependência

🇮🇳 निर्भरता

🇩🇪 Abhängigkeit

🇮🇩 ketergantungan

🇺🇦 залежність

🇵🇱 zależność

🇯🇵 依存

🇫🇷 dépendance

🇪🇸 dependencia

🇹🇷 bağımlılık

🇰🇷 의존

🇸🇦 اعتماد

🇨🇿 závislost

🇸🇰 závislosť

🇨🇳 依赖

🇸🇮 odvisnost

🇮🇸 háð

🇰🇿 тәуелділік

🇬🇪 დამოკიდებულება

🇦🇿 asılılıq

🇲🇽 dependencia

Etymology

The word 'dependence' originates from the Latin word 'dependere', which means 'to hang down' or 'to rely on'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, reflecting the interdependence and reliance observed in human relationships, behaviors, and societal structures.

See also: depend, dependability, dependable, dependably, dependency, dependent, dependently, independence, independency, independent, interdependence, interdependent, undependable, undependably.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,208, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.