independent
Someone who is independent does things on their own without needing help from others.
Explanation at your level:
You are independent when you do things alone. You do not need help. You choose your own clothes. You play by yourself. It is a good thing to be!
An independent person likes to make their own decisions. For example, an independent student studies without being told. It means you are free and you do not rely on other people for everything.
When you are independent, you have the freedom to act as you wish. This word is often used for young adults who move out of their parents' house. It also describes businesses that are not part of a larger chain.
The term independent implies a lack of bias or external control. In journalism, an independent reporter is someone who is not influenced by political parties. It suggests a high level of autonomy and integrity in one's actions.
In an academic context, independent research is conducted without the influence of funding bodies or preconceived agendas. It signifies a critical, objective approach. Being independent is a hallmark of intellectual maturity, requiring one to synthesize information autonomously.
Etymologically, independent captures the essence of autonomy—the negation of dependency. It is a nuanced term used to describe everything from sovereign states to complex mathematical variables that do not correlate. It represents the pinnacle of self-governance and objective detachment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means not needing help.
- Adjective form.
- Opposite of dependent.
- Common in daily life.
When we call someone independent, we are describing their ability to stand on their own two feet. It is a powerful word that suggests freedom and self-reliance.
Think of a person who makes their own choices without asking for permission, or a business that runs without being owned by a giant corporation. Being independent is often seen as a sign of maturity and strength.
The word independent comes from the Latin roots in- (meaning 'not') and dependere (meaning 'to hang down' or 'rely on'). Essentially, it means you are not 'hanging' on someone else for support.
It entered the English language in the 17th century. Originally, it was used to describe religious groups who believed in self-governing churches, before it evolved to describe people and nations.
You will hear independent used in many ways. We often talk about an 'independent thinker' or an 'independent country'.
It is a versatile word. In formal writing, it describes political sovereignty, while in casual conversation, it describes a friend who doesn't like to borrow money or ask for help.
While there aren't many idioms containing the exact word, we use phrases like 'strike out on one's own' to mean becoming independent. Another is 'stand on your own two feet', which is the ultimate definition of being independent.
The word is an adjective and does not have a plural form. It is often preceded by the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'They are independent').
Pronounced in-di-PEN-dent, the stress falls on the third syllable. It rhymes with words like 'resplendent' or 'transcendent'.
Fun Fact
It was used to describe the 'Independents' in the English Civil War.
Pronunciation Guide
in-di-PEN-dent
in-di-PEN-dent
Common Errors
- stressing the wrong syllable
- dropping the 't' at the end
- mispronouncing the 'i' sounds
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjectives
He is independent.
Prepositions
Independent of.
Suffixes
Independence.
Examples by Level
I am independent.
I / am / independent
Subject + verb + adjective
She is independent.
She / is / independent
Pronoun + verb + adjective
They are independent.
They / are / independent
Plural pronoun + verb
Be independent!
Be / independent
Imperative sentence
He is very independent.
He / is / very / independent
Adverb + adjective
Stay independent.
Stay / independent
Linking verb + adjective
We are independent.
We / are / independent
Plural subject
Is she independent?
Is / she / independent?
Question form
She is an independent woman.
They live an independent life.
He wants to be independent.
The shop is independent.
She is very independent at school.
They made an independent choice.
He is an independent thinker.
We need an independent opinion.
The country became independent in 1960.
She works as an independent consultant.
I enjoy being financially independent.
They run an independent bookstore.
He is known for his independent spirit.
We need an independent investigation.
The school is independent of the state.
She is fiercely independent.
The journal maintains an independent editorial policy.
He is an independent contractor for the firm.
She values her independent lifestyle above all.
The committee remained independent throughout the trial.
They are an independent film production company.
He is an independent spirit who hates rules.
The research was funded by an independent body.
We require an independent assessment of the damage.
The candidate maintains an independent stance on the issue.
She is an independent scholar working on ancient texts.
The organization prides itself on being politically independent.
Independent variables are essential in scientific experiments.
He is an independent thinker who challenges the status quo.
The agency acts as an independent auditor.
They foster an environment of independent learning.
The country fought hard to remain independent.
The court acts as an independent arbiter in legal disputes.
His independent wealth allowed him to pursue his art.
The nation's independent judiciary is its greatest strength.
She is an independent agent with no ties to the agency.
The study provides an independent verification of the claims.
They are an independent entity within the parent company.
He possesses an independent mind that defies categorization.
The independent nature of the project ensures total objectivity.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"stand on your own two feet"
to be independent
It is time you stand on your own two feet.
neutral"strike out on your own"
to start working alone
He decided to strike out on his own.
neutral"your own boss"
to be independent in work
I love being my own boss.
casual"go it alone"
to do something without help
She chose to go it alone.
neutral"cut the apron strings"
to become independent from parents
He finally cut the apron strings.
idiomaticEasily Confused
similar sound
opposite meaning
He is dependent on his parents vs he is independent.
similar root
means reliable
He is a dependable worker.
noun form
it is a noun
He values his independence.
adverb form
it describes an action
He worked independently.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + independent
She is independent.
Subject + is + independent + of + noun
He is independent of his parents.
Adverb + independent
They are fiercely independent.
Independent + noun
An independent study is required.
Independent + verb
He acted independently.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The noun form is independence, not independency.
Usually we say independent OF something.
To is incorrect here.
This is correct, but some learners think it needs a suffix.
This is not a real word.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a person cutting strings connected to others.
Native Speakers
Use it to describe someone who pays their own bills.
Cultural Insight
Independence is a core value in Western society.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'independent of' not 'to'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'PEN' sound.
Avoid 'Independency'
Use 'Independence' instead.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin roots.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence about your life.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
In-DEPEND-ent: You are NOT depending on anyone.
Visual Association
A person standing on a mountain alone.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to do one task today without asking for help.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: not hanging from
Cultural Context
None, generally a positive trait.
Independence is highly valued in US and UK cultures.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- independent contractor
- independent worker
- work independently
at school
- independent study
- independent learner
- independent project
politics
- independent country
- independent voter
- independent party
daily life
- financially independent
- independent living
- independent spirit
Conversation Starters
"Are you an independent person?"
"What does independence mean to you?"
"Do you prefer working alone or in a group?"
"Is it important to be financially independent?"
"Who is the most independent person you know?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were independent.
Why is independence important?
What is one thing you can do independently?
How can you become more independent?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is an adjective.
Independence.
Yes, that is correct.
Dependent.
I-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t.
Yes, usually.
Yes.
No, it means self-reliant.
Test Yourself
I am ___.
Independent means doing things alone.
What does independent mean?
Independent means you do not need help.
Independent means the same as dependent.
They are opposites.
Word
Meaning
They are synonyms.
Subject + verb + adverb + adj.
Score: /5
Summary
To be independent is to be the master of your own choices.
- Means not needing help.
- Adjective form.
- Opposite of dependent.
- Common in daily life.
Memory Palace
Imagine a person cutting strings connected to others.
Native Speakers
Use it to describe someone who pays their own bills.
Cultural Insight
Independence is a core value in Western society.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'independent of' not 'to'.
