Dependency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| dependence |
Use 'dependence' when describing a situation where someone or something relies on something else for support, typically with a neutral or clinical tone.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'dependency'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'dependency' originated from the Latin word 'dependentia', which means 'hanging down'. It was first used in the early 17th century to describe the state of being dependent on something or someone. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various contexts, including relational dependencies and substance abuse dependencies. The concept of dependency has been studied in fields such as psychology, sociology, and economics to understand the dynamics of interdependence and reliance.
See also: depend, dependability, dependable, dependably, dependence, dependent, dependently, independence, independency, independent, interdependence, interdependent, undependable, undependably.