Dependance vs. Dependency: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Updated on February 29, 2024
"Dependance" is a less common variant of "dependence," referring to reliance or the state of being influenced by something. "Dependency" denotes a state of reliance or a territory governed by another country.
Difference Between Dependance and Dependency
The primary distinction between "dependance" and "dependency" lies in their usage and connotations. "Dependance" is an alternate spelling of "dependence," which is more commonly used to express the concept of reliance or the condition of being determined by something or someone. "Dependency," on the other hand, carries a dual significance. It similarly denotes a state of reliance or need for support but is distinctively used to refer to geopolitical contexts, describing territories that do not possess full political independence and are under the governance or administration of another country.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
"Dependance" focuses more on a general state of reliance, "dependency" extends its meaning to include specific relationships between territories, countries, or components within a system, highlighting a more structured or hierarchical form of reliance. The choice between these terms depends on the context of the discussion, with "dependence" being preferred for general use over "dependance" and "dependency" reserved for specific contexts requiring precision.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
In practical application, understanding the nuanced differences between these terms can enhance clarity and precision in communication. For example, discussing psychological or emotional reliance would typically involve "dependence," whereas discussing the political status of a region would use "dependency." Similarly, in software engineering, discussing components that require others to operate would appropriately use "dependency."
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Despite the overlap in these terms' core meanings of reliance, their appropriate usage varies significantly based on context, making it crucial to choose the term that best fits the specific situation or discussion.
Nolan
Feb 29, 2024
Dependance vs. Dependency Comparison Chart
Definition
The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something.
1. A state of reliance. 2. A territory subject to a foreign power.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Usage
More commonly used to describe reliance in various contexts, such as emotional or substance dependence.
Used to describe geopolitical relationships and system components' reliance in technology.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Connotation
Focuses on the condition or state of being influenced.
Implies a hierarchical or structured relationship of reliance.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Common Contexts
Psychological, emotional, substance use.
Geopolitical territories, software dependencies.
Jonathan
Feb 29, 2024
Spelling
Less common spelling of "dependence."
Specifically denotes territories or system relationships.
Lucas
Feb 29, 2024
Dependance vs. Dependency Definitions
◉Dependance
Emotional reliance on another person.
She sought therapy to address her emotional dependance.
Jonathan
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependency
Reliance on software components.
The program's functionality has a significant dependency on third-party libraries.
Henry
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependance
Condition of being determined by.
Plant growth has a high dependance on sunlight.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependency
Hierarchical reliance in systems.
The new software introduced several critical dependencies.
Elijah
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependance
Need for support or assistance.
The project showed her dependance on teamwork.
Leo
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependency
Condition of being influenced by substances.
The clinic treats various forms of chemical dependency.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependance
State of being influenced by something.
His dependance on caffeine increased during exams.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependance
Controlled by external factors.
Their dependance on imported oil was a concern.
Olivia
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependance
The state of being determined, influenced, or controlled by something else
the economy's dependence on oil.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
A state of dependence; a refusal to exercise initiative.
Frank's sullen dependency was driving his father nuts.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependance
The condition of being dependent on a substance such as a drug or on a given behavior
alcohol dependence.
gambling dependence.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
Something dependent on, or subordinate to, something else:
In the United States' governmental structure, the military is conceived as a dependency under the executive branch.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
A dependence on a habit-forming substance such as a drug or alcohol.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
(computing) Reliance on the functionality provided by some other, external component.
This library has dependencies on a lot of other libraries. We have to compile all of those other libraries first.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
(computing) An external component whose functionality is relied on.
One of this library's dependencies is very finicky. It can be hard to get it to compile on some systems.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
State of being dependent; dependence; state of being subordinate; subordination; concatenation; connection; reliance; trust.
Any long series of action, the parts of which have very much dependency each on the other.
So that they may acknowledge their dependency on the crown of England.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
That which is attached to something else as its consequence, subordinate, satellite, and the like.
This earth and its dependencies.
Modes I call such complex ideas which . . . are considered as dependencies on or affections of substances.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
A territory remote from the kingdom or state to which it belongs, but subject to its dominion; a colony; as, Great Britain has its dependencies in Asia, Africa, and America.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Dependency
Territory governed by another country.
Puerto Rico is considered a dependency of the United States.
Elijah
Feb 29, 2024
◉Dependency
Need for support from others.
His recovery journey highlighted his dependency on community.
Henry
Feb 29, 2024
Dependance vs. Dependency Frequently Asked Questions
How does dependency relate to software development?
In software development, a dependency refers to a piece of software or library that a program needs to function correctly, indicating a structured relationship where one component relies on another.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
What is an example of a dependency in geopolitics?
A dependency in geopolitics refers to territories like Bermuda or the Falkland Islands, which are governed by another country (e.g., the United Kingdom).
Leo
Feb 29, 2024
Can dependance and dependency be used interchangeably?
While both relate to reliance, their usage differs based on context; "dependance" is used for general states of reliance, and "dependency" for specific hierarchical or structured relationships.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
What is a common misconception about dependency in technology?
A common misconception is that dependencies are negative; while they can introduce complexity, they are often essential for leveraging existing technologies and facilitating software development.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
What is the difference between dependance and dependency?
"Dependance" is another form of "dependence," referring to a state of reliance, while "dependency" often refers to geopolitical territories under foreign control or elements in a system that rely on each other.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Is dependance a correct spelling?
"Dependance" is a less common variant of "dependence" and is considered correct, though "dependence" is more widely used and preferred in most contexts.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
How can understanding these terms improve communication?
Understanding the nuanced differences enhances clarity, especially in discussions involving political, psychological, or technical contexts, ensuring the appropriate term is used for precision.
Henry
Feb 29, 2024
Why might someone choose to use "dependance" over "dependence"?
Choice of spelling might reflect personal preference, regional spelling conventions, or the influence of other languages, although "dependence" is the standard form in English.
Kaitlyn
Feb 29, 2024
Can a country have dependencies?
Yes, a country can have dependencies, which are territories that it governs but that do not have full independence or sovereignty.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Is emotional dependance or dependency correct?
"Emotional dependence" is the correct term when referring to a state of emotional reliance on another person or thing.
Muazma Batool
Feb 29, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
