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dependence
/dɪˈpɛndəns/
reliance on support or supply
The country's dependence on foreign oil makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations.
The nation relies heavily on imported oil, which exposes it to risks from global market changes.
formal
The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or supply
Her dependence on her parents for financial support continued even after she graduated.
She kept needing her parents' money even after finishing her studies.
The drug's dependence potential is a major concern for medical professionals.
Doctors worry about how easily users might become reliant on the medication.
Often used in medical, psychological, or economic contexts to describe harmful reliance patterns.
Law
historical/legal
A territory under the jurisdiction of a state
The British Empire once held numerous overseas dependencies.
The British Empire formerly controlled many territories under its rule.
Rare in modern usage; 'dependency' is more common for this sense.
Collocations
economic dependencefinancial reliancedrug dependencesubstance addictionemotional dependencepsychological reliance
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy with 'on'
Use 'dependence on' rather than 'dependence of' (e.g., 'dependence on technology' not 'dependence of technology').
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
In medical contexts, 'dependence' often implies addiction. In legal/political contexts, it may refer to territorial control.
Word Origin
From Latin *dependentia* (reliance), from *dependere* (to hang down, rely on), from *de-* (down) + *pendere* (to hang).
Usage Notes
Often confused with 'dependency' (the state of being dependent) though they are largely interchangeable. 'Dependence' carries slightly more formal connotations.
Word Breakdown
de-
down/from
prefix-pend-
to hang/weigh
root-ence
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary