dependence

American  

[dih-pen-duhns] / dɪˈpɛn dəns /

Or dependance

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.

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dependence British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of dependence

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

Example Sentences

For a generation that grew up in an entirely digital world, dependence on technology is a familiar habit that some are trying to break.

From Los Angeles Times

India, seeking to cut its dependence on top exporter China, has been expanding domestic production and recycling while scouting for new suppliers.

From Barron's

The result is liquidity dependence on reserves, which makes balance-sheet reduction increasingly difficult each cycle.

From Barron's

Over the past year, more companies that develop and operate AI have shown interest in Google’s TPUs, seeking to tap more cost-effective computing power and avoid excessive dependence on Nvidia.

From The Wall Street Journal

In response to an AFP question about Turkey's dependence on coal, Bayraktar said Turkey aims at cheaper energy and reducing reliance on energy imports.

From Barron's

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency