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ontological-dependence-thesis

/ˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl dɪˈpɛndəns ˈθiːsɪs/
IELTSAcademic
noun

In philosophy, the idea that one thing depends on another for its existence or being. It says the first thing cannot exist in the same way without the second.

  • The article argues for an ontological dependence thesis.
  • Her view makes the person ontologically dependent on society.

Adinary Nuance

This phrase is more specific than dependence or reliance. It talks about what something is and whether it can exist without something else. Writers use it in philosophy, not in everyday speech. It sounds more technical than saying something is “dependent on” something else.

In other languages

Vietnamese
luận đề phụ thuộc bản thể
Spanish
tesis de dependencia ontológica
Chinese
本体依赖论题
Japanese
存在論的依存命題
Korean
존재론적 의존 명제

Etymology

This term is built from Greek roots through modern academic English: ontological from Greek ontos, meaning “being,” and dependence from Latin dependere. Thesis comes from Greek thēsis, meaning “a proposition” or “idea stated for discussion.”

Common phrases

ontological dependencestrong ontological dependenceontological dependence claim

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is ontological dependence thesis a common everyday phrase?
No. It is mainly used in philosophy and academic writing.
What is the difference between ontological dependence and simple dependence?
Simple dependence can mean any need. Ontological dependence means a need for existence or being.
Can I use this phrase in IELTS Academic writing?
Yes, if your topic is philosophy or theory. It is too formal for daily conversation.