English Lexicon

Dependence

/dɪˈpɛndəns/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.

    "The country's economic dependence on foreign oil has decreased in recent years."
  2. 2

    Addiction to or habitual reliance on a drug, substance, or behavior.

    "Long-term use of the medication can lead to physical dependence."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'dependence' originates from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang from' or 'to rely on'. It evolved through Old French before entering Middle English, reflecting the notion of reliance or being contingent upon something else.

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