C1noun 3K

Dependence

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/

Meaning of Dependence

the state of needing the help and support of somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

In simple words: When someone needs something or someone else to function or be okay.

Dependence in a sentence

• Her financial dependence on her parents made her reluctant to move out.
• The country's dependence on oil exports leaves its economy vulnerable to market fluctuations.
• The patient's dependence on medication requires careful monitoring by doctors.
• Young children often show dependence on their caregivers for emotional support.
• The scientific theory suggests a dependence between two variables in the experiment.
• In programming, the dependence of one function on another must be managed carefully.

How to use Dependence

Use 'dependence' in discussions about addiction, relationships, or support systems. It's more formal than 'need' and should be used in academic or serious contexts, but can also apply informally.

Grammar pattern

dependence + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'depend' as needing a friend you can lean on.

Related words

Collocations with Dependence

• great
• heavy
• absolute
• have
• increase
• reduce
• dependence  on
• dependence  upon
• alcohol
• drug
• nicotine
• dependence  on

Synonyms for Dependence

• reliance
• dependency
• need
• requirement
• addiction

Opposites of Dependence

• independence
• self-sufficiency
• autonomy

Common mistakes with Dependence

• Confused with 'independence'
• Used with incorrect prepositions (should be 'dependence on', not 'dependence of')
• Mixing up noun and verb forms ('depend' vs 'dependence')

Frequently asked questions about Dependence

What does Dependence mean?

When someone needs something or someone else to function or be okay.

What is the definition of Dependence?

the state of needing the help and support of somebody/something in order to survive or be successful

How do you use Dependence in a sentence?

Her financial dependence on her parents made her reluctant to move out.

Can you give another example of Dependence?

The country's dependence on oil exports leaves its economy vulnerable to market fluctuations.

What are synonyms for Dependence?

Common alternatives include reliance, dependency, need, requirement, addiction.

What is the opposite of Dependence?

Opposite meanings include independence, self-sufficiency, autonomy.

What words go with Dependence?

It commonly pairs with great, heavy, absolute, have, increase, reduce, dependence  on, dependence  upon, alcohol, drug, nicotine, dependence  on.

What are common mistakes when using Dependence?

Confused with 'independence' Used with incorrect prepositions (should be 'dependence on', not 'dependence of') Mixing up noun and verb forms ('depend' vs 'dependence')

How do you pronounce Dependence?

US: /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Dependence?

Use 'dependence' in discussions about addiction, relationships, or support systems. It's more formal than 'need' and should be used in academic or serious contexts, but can also apply informally.

What CEFR level is Dependence?

"Dependence" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.