independent

[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt]

independent Definition

  • 1not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself
  • 2not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous
  • 3not depending on something else for existence or operation

Using independent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "independent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She has been an independent businesswoman for over a decade.

  • Example

    The country became independent from colonial rule in the 20th century.

  • Example

    He is an independent thinker who doesn't follow the crowd.

  • Example

    The research was conducted by an independent organization.

independent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for independent

Antonyms for independent

Idioms Using independent

  • to start one's own business or become self-employed

    Example

    After years of working for a large corporation, she decided to go independent and start her own consulting firm.

  • happening or existing without one's control or choice

    Example

    The accident was independent of his will and he couldn't have prevented it.

  • very independent and self-sufficient

    Example

    She's as independent as a hog on ice and doesn't need anyone's help.

Phrases with independent

  • not influenced or affected by something else

    Example

    The decision was made independent of any external pressure.

  • a course of study in which a student works independently rather than attending lectures or classes

    Example

    She took an independent study course in art history.

  • a variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable

    Example

    In the experiment, the independent variable was the amount of fertilizer used.

Origins of independent

from Late Latin 'independens', from Latin 'in-' (not) + 'dependere' (to hang from, be dependent on)

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Summary: independent in Brief

The term 'independent' [ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt] refers to a person or thing that is not influenced or controlled by others, and can think or act for itself. It can describe a person's character, a country's status, or an organization's structure. Phrases like 'independent of' and 'independent study' extend its meaning, while idioms like 'go independent' and 'independent as a hog on ice' add color to its usage.

How do native speakers use this expression?