What is dependence?

Dependence refers to a condition in which an individual relies on others for support, care, or assistance to meet their needs. This can occur in various contexts, such as physical health, emotional support, or practical aspects of daily living. When someone is dependent, they are not fully capable of managing these aspects on their own and thus look to others for help.

In contrast, the other options describe concepts that are aligned with independence or self-sufficiency. The ability to support others reflects a form of strength and capability. Independence in managing needs emphasizes self-reliance and the capacity to function autonomously. Likewise, the ability to function without assistance further underscores the lack of dependency on others. Thus, the essence of dependence lies specifically in the reliance on others, making it the most accurate choice in this context.