interdependent

UK: ˌɪn.tə.dɪˈpen.dənt | US: ˌɪn.t̬ɚ.dɪˈpen.dənt

Definition

  1. adj. relying on mutual assistance or cooperation between parties

  2. adj. (ecology) describing species that cannot survive without each other

Structure
inter <between>depend <rely>ent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "interdependent" combines Latin-derived morphemes:

  1. "inter-" (from Latin inter, meaning "between") introduces reciprocity.
  2. "depend" (from Latin dependēre, "to hang from") metaphorically extends to "rely on."
  3. The suffix "-ent" (Latin -entem) forms adjectives indicating a state or quality.
    The term emerged in the 19th century to describe systems (social, biological) where elements mutually sustain one another, reflecting Enlightenment-era ideas of interconnectedness.
Examples

  1. Modern economies are highly interdependent due to global trade.

  2. Bees and flowers share an interdependent relationship in pollination.

  3. The project’s success made teams realize they were interdependent.

  4. Interdependent ecosystems collapse if one species disappears.

  5. Their friendship grew stronger as they became emotionally interdependent.