Cool MateDependence vs Requirement
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dependence
Requirement
| Dependence | Requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈpendəns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkwaɪəmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkwaɪərmənt/"]/ |
| Meaning | When someone needs something or someone else to function or be okay. | Something you need or must have. |
| Example | Her financial dependence on her parents made her reluctant to move out. | The job listing stated that a degree in engineering is a requirement for applicants. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | great, heavy, absolute, have, increase, reduce, dependence on, dependence upon, alcohol, drug, nicotine, dependence on | absolute, necessary, core, have, comply with, fit, for your requirement, to your requirement, requirement for, subject to the requirements (of something), surplus to requirements, absolute, necessary, core, have, comply with, fit, for your requirement, to your requirement, requirement for, subject to the requirements (of something), surplus to requirements |
| Antonyms | independence, self-sufficiency, autonomy | option, choice, voluntary |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'independence', Used with incorrect prepositions (should be 'dependence on', not 'dependence of'), Mixing up noun and verb forms ('depend' vs 'dependence') | Confused with 'require' — remember it's a noun, not a verb., Omitting articles — 'a requirement' instead of 'requirement'., Using 'requirements' mistakenly with plural agreements when singular is needed. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use 'requirement' in professional and educational contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless necessary. |
Frequently asked questions: Dependence vs Requirement
What's the difference between Dependence and Requirement?
Dependence: When someone needs something or someone else to function or be okay. Requirement: Something you need or must have.
Which is more common: Dependence and Requirement?
Requirement is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Dependence and Requirement?
Dependence is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Dependence and Requirement the same CEFR level?
Dependence: C1, Requirement: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Dependence and Requirement?
Dependence: noun, Requirement: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Dependence: Her financial dependence on her parents made her reluctant to move out. Requirement: The job listing stated that a degree in engineering is a requirement for applicants.
Can I use Dependence and Requirement interchangeably?
Not always. Dependence and Requirement are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.