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

Foreign dependence on the dollar has lessened—but it hasn’t gone away.

From Barron's

I’ve noted elsewhere in these pages the succession of formerly atheist or agnostic intellectuals who in recent years have surprised their audiences by acknowledging Western societies’ ancient and continuing dependence on Christian concepts and values.

From The Wall Street Journal

India has slashed its reliance on Russian oil in recent months amid rising sanctions and pressure from the U.S., reducing its dependence on the shadow fleet, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ottawa is pushing hard for deeper trade ties with other mid-sized economies to pivot away from its dependence on the United States.

From Barron's

New Delhi has sought over the past decade to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier of military equipment, turning to other countries while also pushing for more domestic production.

From Barron's

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency