Dependency: meaning, definitions and examples
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dependency
[dɪˈpendənsi ]
Definitions
relationship between things
Dependency refers to the relationship between things where one thing relies on another for support, assistance, or existence. It can also refer to a state of being dependent or subordinate to something else.
Synonyms
dependence, reliance, subordination.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dependency |
Use 'dependency' in a more formal or technical context, often related to economics, politics, or programming.
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| reliance |
Use 'reliance' when emphasizing trust or confidence placed in someone or something, typically in a positive or neutral tone.
|
| dependence |
Use 'dependence' when describing a situation where someone or something relies on something else for support, typically with a neutral or clinical tone.
|
| subordination |
Use 'subordination' when referring to a hierarchical relationship where one entity is under the control or influence of another, often with a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The child's dependency on their parents for food and shelter is natural.
- There is a clear dependency between the two variables in this equation.
- The country's economy has a heavy dependency on oil exports.
- The dependency of the software on specific hardware can cause compatibility issues.
- Overcoming dependency on external validation can lead to greater self-confidence.
substance abuse
Dependency can also refer to a psychological or physical reliance on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. It is characterized by a compulsive need for the substance and withdrawal symptoms when not consumed.
Synonyms
addiction, habituation, substance dependence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dependency |
Use this word when referring to a state of relying on something or someone for support or survival. It can be used in various contexts, including emotionally, financially, or physically.
|
| addiction |
This word is best used when describing a harmful craving or compulsion to engage in specific behaviors or use substances, despite their negative consequences. It often implies a psychological and physical component.
|
| substance dependence |
Use this phrase when referring to a medical diagnosis characterized by a person's inability to control their use of a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, despite harmful consequences. It often includes tolerance, withdrawal, and a compulsion to use the substance.
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| habituation |
This term is often used in psychological or biological contexts to describe the process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus through repeated exposure, resulting in a decreased response.
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Examples of usage
- He struggled with drug dependency for years before seeking help.
- The clinic offers support for individuals dealing with alcohol dependency.
- The first step in treating dependency is acknowledging the problem.
- Dependency on painkillers can have serious consequences for one's health.
- Breaking free from dependency requires strong determination and support.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Latin 'dependere,' meaning 'to hang from,' which illustrates the idea of one thing relying on another.
- It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, initially referring to a state of dependence or relying on someone else.
- The suffix '-ency' implies a state or quality, thus 'dependency' refers to the quality of needing support.
Psychology
- In psychology, dependency can refer to emotional reliance on another person, often affecting relationships.
- Certain psychological theories discuss how foundational relationships in childhood influence adult dependency behaviors.
- Over-dependency can lead to issues such as anxiety or depression when individuals feel they can't cope without the support of others.
Sociology
- Dependency theory in sociology explains how developed nations may rely on developing countries for resources, influencing global economics.
- Social dependency can reflect on a community's ability to function based on class hierarchies and power dynamics.
- In social services, dependency can indicate a need for support due to issues like poverty or health challenges.
Technology
- In software development, 'dependency' refers to a situation where one piece of code relies on another, affecting system architecture.
- Package managers in programming languages handle dependencies to ensure compatibility and functionality of software applications.
- Dependency injection is a design pattern that helps manage class dependencies, promoting more flexible and manageable code structures.
Health
- In healthcare, dependency may describe patients who require assistance due to age, disability, or medical conditions.
- Substance dependency occurs when a person relies on drugs or alcohol to function, highlighting the spectrum of addiction issues.
- Understanding a patient’s dependency is crucial for creating effective care plans and support systems.
Translations
Translations of the word "dependency" 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