dependence

Or de·pend·ance

[dih-pen-duhns]

noun

1. the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.

2. reliance; confidence; trust.

   Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.

3. an object of reliance or trust.

4. the state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence.

   the dependence of an effect upon a cause.

5. the state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.

6. subordination or subjection.

   the dependence of Martinique upon France.

dependence

/ dɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help

2. reliance; trust; confidence

3. rare,  an object or person relied upon

Other Word Forms

• nondependance noun
• nondependence noun
• overdependence noun
• predependence noun
• self-dependence noun
• semidependence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependence¹

1400–50; late Middle English dependaunce < Old French dependance, equivalent to depend ( re ) ( depend ) + -ance -ence

Example Sentences

The euro is also being supported by investors wishing to reduce their dependence on the dollar, he says in a note.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. will likely accelerate its investment in the rare-earth supply chain and limit other dependence on China, while China continues to build self-reliance in key sectors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. will likely accelerate its investment in the rare-earth supply chain and limit other dependence on China, while China continues to build self-reliance in key sectors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is also developing the Flamingo, a Ukrainian-made long-range weapon, which officials in Kyiv say will reduce its dependence on U.S. and European arms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tired of rampant shoplifting scaring away citizens and shoppers, Long Beach is trying to force stores to add staff and reduce dependence on self-checkout.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confidence 
• dependency