noun
dependence
di-PEN-duhns/dɪˈpendəns/
Reliance on something necessary to a result or continued function.
Her dependence on a walker is evident with every careful step.
Etymology
The underlying image is of hanging from something that sustains you. With its state-forming ending, dependence names the condition of drawing support or direction from another, including reliance and trust.
In context
in absolute dependence on the state and this is always affected by the same means for it is only the power of the state that secures the freedom of its members
More examples
- Solar panels' dependence on sunlight limits their output on cloudy days.
- Daily caffeine use can lead to physical dependence.
- The study measures the dependence of crop yields on rainfall.
Forms
Similar words
- reliance
- Often emphasizes trust in support rather than strict necessity.
- dependency
- Often names a specific need or relationship of reliance.