The state of relying on someone or something for support or survival.
From French dependance, from Latin dependentia (hanging down, reliance), from dependere (to hang down, rely upon). The word entered English in the 1400s and originally meant a physical hanging or attachment before shifting to mean reliance.
Many English speakers don't realize that 'dependence' and 'dependance' are two spellings of the same word—British English historically preferred 'dependance,' but both are now accepted, creating one of those quirky spelling variations that confuse even native speakers.
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