Independent
/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
Definitions
3 meaningsFree from outside control; not subject to another's authority.
/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
Not controlled by other people or countries
The judge made an independent decision, without being influenced by outside pressures.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're allowed to choose your own bedtime and what you eat for dinner. That's being independent! It means you don't need someone else to tell you what to do.
👶 For kids: When something is independent, it means it can do things all by itself and doesn't need help from anyone else, like a puppy learning to walk alone.
More Examples
She chose to live an independent life, free from the constraints of her family.
The study produced independent findings, not influenced by the company's interests.
How It's Used
"The country declared itself independent from its colonial ruler."
"They are an independent consulting firm, offering unbiased advice."
Not connected with or related to something else; separate.
/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
Not connected with another person or thing; separate
Each student worked on an independent project for the final assessment.
💡 Simply: Think of two friends who can hang out together but also have their own interests and hobbies. That's like being independent – you can do things separately and still be connected.
👶 For kids: When things are independent, they are not connected to each other, like two toys that can play separately.
More Examples
The two companies operated as independent entities, despite being under the same parent company.
She is an independent researcher, not affiliated with any university.
How It's Used
"They maintained independent households, but were still a couple."
"The experiment used independent variables to test the hypothesis."
A person who is not associated with any particular political party.
/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
A person not affiliated with any political party.
The candidate hoped to attract independent voters who were disillusioned with both major parties.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who doesn't belong to any team but makes their own choices. In politics, an independent voter chooses the person they want to vote for regardless of what party they belong to.
👶 For kids: Someone who doesn't want to be on any team but can make their own decisions.
More Examples
Independents often decide the outcome of close elections.
The news article highlighted the growing influence of independents in the electorate.
How It's Used
"The election included voters who identified as independents."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
independent of
Not influenced or determined by.
"The decision was made independent of any external pressure."
Declaration of Independence
The formal statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states.
"The Declaration of Independence is a key document in American history."
From French *indépendant*, from Latin *independens*, present participle of *independēre* 'to be independent', from *in-* 'not' + *dependēre* 'to depend'.
The word 'independent' has been used since the 17th century, initially related to political contexts and later expanding to personal autonomy and various other fields.
Memory tip
Think of a country that has its own flag and government – independent!
Word Origin
"not depending"