Dependence
/dɪˈpɛndəns/
Definitions
The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
/dɪˈpɛndəns/
The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.
The company's dependence on a single supplier made it vulnerable to disruptions.
💡 Simply: Imagine you always need your phone to look up information or contact friends. That need to have your phone with you is a form of dependence! It means you rely on it heavily. Similarly, if a small child needs a parent for food, shelter, and comfort, that's another type of dependence.
👶 For kids: When you need someone or something to help you, like a teddy bear when you're feeling sad. It's when you can't do something all by yourself.
More Examples
He felt a sense of independence after breaking free from his financial dependence on his parents.
The research highlights the growing dependence on technology in modern society.
How It's Used
"The study explores the economic dependence of developing nations on foreign aid."
"The therapist examined the patient's emotional dependence on her parents."
"The country's dependence on oil imports is a major concern for its national security."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Addiction
Compulsive dependence on a substance or behavior.
"Drug addiction is a severe form of dependence that impacts an individual's health and life."
Economic dependence
The state of relying on others for economic support.
"Many developing nations experience economic dependence on larger, wealthier nations for aid and trade."
From Middle English, from Old French *dependence*, from Latin *dependentia*, from *dependere* ('to hang down, be dependent').
Historically, the word dependence has been used to describe a range of relationships of reliance and control, often in political and social contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a climber who *depends* on their rope for safety. That's *dependence* in action.
Word Origin
"to hang down, be dependent"