noun

dependence

reliance, addiction

His dependence on his parents is a problem.

His dependence on his parents is a problem.

The country wants to reduce its dependence on oil.

The country wants to reduce its dependence on oil.

((on sb./sth.)) the state of relying on (sb./sth.) His dependence on his parents is a problem.

Synonyms: reliance, addiction; Antonyms: independence, self-sufficiency

From Latin 'de-' (down from) + 'pendere' (to hang). The state of 'hanging from' something else for support.

Think of a pendant on a necklace; it 'depends' on the chain. 'Dependence' is the state of being like that pendant.

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