independence

[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns]

independence Definition

• 1. the state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others
• 2. self-governing or self-ruling

Using independence: Examples

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

• Example

  The country declared its independence from colonial rule.

• Example

  She values her independence and doesn't like to rely on others.

• Example

  The teenager is seeking more independence from her parents.

• Example

  The company gained financial independence by going public.

independence Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for independence

• autonomy
• freedom
• self-determination
• self-rule
• self-sufficiency

Antonyms for independence

• dependence
• subjection
• reliance

Idioms Using independence

• stand on one's own feet

  to be independent and self-sufficient

  Example

  After years of relying on his parents for support, he finally learned to stand on his own feet.

• cut the apron strings

  to become independent from one's parents or guardians

  Example

  It's time for you to cut the apron strings and start living on your own.

• fly the nest

  to leave one's parents' home and become independent

  Example

  After finishing college, she was eager to fly the nest and start her own life.

Phrases with independence

• Declaration of Independence

  a document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were now independent states

  Example

  The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history.

• War of Independence

  a conflict fought between Great Britain and thirteen British North American colonies, which had declared themselves the independent United States of America

  Example

  The War of Independence lasted from 1775 to 1783.

• Declaration of Dependence

  a satirical document that humorously reverses the language of the United States Declaration of Independence to argue that the American colonists should reconcile with British rule

  Example

  The Declaration of Dependence was written as a parody of the Declaration of Independence.

Origins of independence

from Late Latin 'independentia', from Latin 'in- not' + 'dependentem', present participle of 'dependere' meaning 'to hang down'

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Summary: independence in Brief

The term 'independence' [ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns] refers to the state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others. It can also mean self-governing or self-ruling. Examples include countries declaring independence from colonial rule, individuals seeking more independence from their parents, and companies gaining financial independence. Idioms like 'stand on one's own feet' and 'cut the apron strings' denote becoming independent from one's parents or guardians.