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Reliance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reliance

[rɪˈlaɪəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

financial services

Reliance refers to a financial institution's ability to meet its financial obligations. It is the level of trust that investors and creditors have in the financial stability of the institution.

Synonyms

confidence, dependence, trust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reliance

Used when referring to a need or a requirement on something or someone for support or help.

  • The team's reliance on their star player was evident.
  • Their reliance on technology makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks.
dependence

Used when emphasizing the state of needing someone or something for aid, support, or the necessary degree of dependency. Often used in negative situations.

  • The patient's dependence on medication worries the doctors.
  • Financial dependence on parents can be stressful for young adults.
trust

Used when referring to the firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.

  • I have absolute trust in my friends.
  • Trust is essential for a healthy relationship.
confidence

Used when referring to a feeling of self-assurance, trust in one's abilities, or the certainty that something will happen.

  • She has great confidence in her public speaking skills.
  • The company has a lot of confidence in its new product.

Examples of usage

  • Investors put their money in the company because of its strong reliance.
  • The bank's reliance on short-term funding made it vulnerable in times of crisis.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

Reliance is a legal principle that one party can enforce a contract based on the other party's promises or representations. It refers to the act of acting in accordance with the assurances of another party.

Synonyms

assurance, dependence, trust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reliance

This word is appropriate when describing the state of needing someone or something for support or help. It often denotes a situation where there is a significant degree of vulnerability.

  • Our reliance on technology has increased dramatically in the last decade.
  • The villagers' reliance on the river for drinking water is evident.
trust

This word should be used when talking about the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. It usually implies a positive relational aspect.

  • She placed her trust in the doctor's expertise.
  • Trust is the foundation of a stable relationship.
dependence

Dependence is suitable for describing a state of needing someone or something because it is essential. This word can carry a negative connotation, especially when referring to excessive or unhealthy needs.

  • The country's dependence on fossil fuels is a cause for concern.
  • Her dependence on caffeine made it difficult for her to start the day without coffee.
assurance

This word is best used when talking about confidence or certainty in one's ability or a positive outcome. It is often used in a reassuring context.

  • He gave his assurance that the project will be completed on time.
  • The investors were looking for assurance before committing their funds.

Examples of usage

  • The court found that the plaintiff had relied on the defendant's promise to their detriment.
  • The doctrine of promissory estoppel is based on the principle of reliance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'reliance'

The word 'reliance' originated from the Middle English word 'reliance', which came from the Old French 'reliance' meaning 'trust, confidence'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to denote trust or dependence on someone or something. Over the years, the term has evolved to encompass financial, legal, and personal contexts where trust and confidence play a crucial role.

See also: reliability, reliable, reliably, reliant, reliantly, rely, unreliability, unreliable, unreliableness, unreliably.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,426 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.