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Dependence vs Autonomy - What's the difference?

dependence | autonomy |

As nouns the difference between dependence and autonomy

is that dependence is the state of being dependent, of relying upon another while autonomy is self-government; freedom to act or function independently.

dependence

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The state of being dependent, of relying upon another.
  • He had a deep dependence on her for guidance.
  • An irresistible physical or psychological need, especially for a chemical substance.
  • Her dependence on cocaine led to her ruin.

    Antonyms

    * independence

    autonomy

    English

    Noun

  • Self-government; freedom to act or function independently.
  • (label) The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision.
  • (label) The capacity of a system to make a decision about its actions without the involvement of another system or operator.
  • (label) The status of a church whose highest-ranking bishop is appointed by the patriarch of the mother church, but which is self-governing in all other respects. Compare autocephaly.
  • Synonyms

    * (self-government) nationhood, nationality, sovereignty, independence

    Antonyms

    * (self-government) dependency, nonautonomy, inoperability * (capacity to make independent decisions) heteronomy, incapacity

    Derived terms

    * autonomic * autonomous, autonomously