What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dependence
Example
The child has a dependence on their parents for food and shelter. [dependence: noun]
Example
He developed a dependence on alcohol after years of heavy drinking. [dependence: noun]
trust
Example
I trust my best friend with my deepest secrets. [trust: verb]
Example
The company has built a reputation for trust and integrity. [trust: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trust is more commonly used than dependence in everyday language. Trust is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships and functioning in society, while dependence is often associated with negative connotations such as addiction or neediness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dependence and trust?
Trust is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dependence is typically associated with more formal or technical language, such as in medical or psychological contexts.
