What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dependence
Example
The patient has a dependence on painkillers after years of use. [dependence: noun]
Example
Children have a dependence on their parents for food, shelter, and care. [dependence: noun]
Example
She has a dependence on alcohol and needs help to overcome it. [dependence: noun]
reliance
Example
The company's success is due to its reliance on innovative technology. [reliance: noun]
Example
I have a strong reliance on my best friend for emotional support. [reliance: noun]
Example
He has a reliance on his own intelligence to solve problems. [reliance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reliance is more commonly used than dependence in everyday language. Reliance is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dependence is less common and often associated with addiction or negative reliance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dependence and reliance?
Both dependence and reliance can be used in formal and informal contexts, but reliance is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.
