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

It will also reduce Britain's dependence on gas.

From BBC

This means that even modest improvements in recovery technology could significantly reduce dependence on overseas sources.

From Science Daily

Japan, which has little in the way of natural resources, has long been anxious about its dependence on energy imports, concerns amplified by events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal

"On the one hand, it has provided work for most people for decades, but the local economy's dependence on it has been so great that it makes us feel there's no tomorrow."

From Barron's

And weaved into the outfit's feminine cut and low-key tones are connotations of "stability, dependence, soft power", she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency