dependence

dependence — noun

1. when a person, group, or system needs steady support from another person, thing,

1.名詞B2
釋義

when a person, group, or system needs steady support from another person, thing, or outside source to stay healthy, keep running, or live normally

例句

The island's heavy dependence on tourism became a serious problem after the earthquake struck.

dependence on + [industry]

As a young child, Nikhil's dependence on his parents was complete and natural.

natural life stage

同義詞
  • reliance

    very similar meaning, but reliance can suggest a more intentional choice to trust, whereas dependence often implies a lack of choice or necessity

  • need

    broader and less formal; need does not carry the same weight of ongoing reliance

  • dependency

    similar in meaning but often used for formal or financial contexts, e.g. a country's economic dependency

反義詞
  • independence

    the state of not needing or relying on others

  • self-sufficiency

    the ability to meet one's own needs without outside help

  • autonomy

    the right or condition of self-government, often used for organizations or regions

文法句型

dependence on + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently followed by on (or more formally upon) to indicate the person, thing, or resource that is relied upon. Used with both living beings (a child's dependence on a parent) and non-living systems (the economy's dependence on oil).

常見錯誤

❌The country's dependence of foreign oil is increasing.
✅The country's dependence on foreign oil is increasing.
💡the correct preposition is on, not of, for showing what is relied upon.
❌I don't like my dependence to my phone.
✅I don't like my dependence on my phone.
💡to is not used after dependence; use on instead.

2. a physical or psychological condition in which a person's body or mind has becom

2.名詞B2
釋義

a physical or psychological condition in which a person's body or mind has become so used to a substance (such as alcohol, drugs, or medication) that they cannot stop using it without experiencing unpleasant effects

例句

After years of dependence on strong painkillers, Devika finally asked a doctor for help.

dependence on + [substance type]

The treatment centre helps people who are struggling with alcohol dependence.

alcohol dependence (common compound)

同義詞
  • addiction

    stronger and more commonly used in everyday language; addiction implies a compulsive need, while dependence can sound more clinical or medical

  • habit

    less severe; a habit can be broken more easily, while dependence implies a physical or psychological need

反義詞
  • abstinence

    the practice of refraining from using a substance entirely

  • sobriety

    the state of not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often used in recovery contexts

文法句型

dependence on + [substance]

alcohol / drug / substance dependence

用法筆記

Commonly modified by physical or psychological to distinguish the type of addiction. Frequently appears in medical and clinical contexts as a more formal or clinical alternative to addiction. The pattern dependence on + substance is standard.

常見錯誤

❌He has dependence for alcohol.
✅He has a dependence on alcohol.
💡the correct preposition is on, not for.
❌Dependence of drugs is a serious problem.
✅Dependence on drugs is a serious problem.
💡use on to specify the substance.