independents
Independents are people or groups that do not belong to a big organization or political party.
Explanation at your level:
An independent is a person who likes to do things alone. They do not join a big group. If you are independent, you make your own choices. You don't need to follow a team. It is a good word to describe someone who is free.
Independents are people who are not part of a big club or party. In politics, they don't pick one side. They look at all the options first. Many people like to be independent because they want to think for themselves.
The term 'independents' refers to people or groups that operate autonomously. You might hear this in the news when talking about elections. An independent voter is someone who doesn't register with a major party. It is also used for businesses that are not part of a large chain, like an independent coffee shop.
Using the word 'independents' suggests a level of autonomy and critical thinking. In professional contexts, you might refer to 'independent contractors,' who are self-employed. In political discourse, 'independents' are often the 'swing voters' who hold the balance of power. It implies a refusal to be influenced by external pressures or party platforms.
The term 'independents' carries a nuance of intellectual sovereignty. It characterizes those who prioritize their own judgment over established dogma. In academic or literary circles, it might describe thinkers who stand outside of mainstream schools of thought. It is a powerful label for those who maintain their integrity by avoiding institutional capture.
Etymologically, 'independents' signifies a detachment from the 'hanging' influence of a hierarchy. In a sophisticated context, it describes a state of being that is self-contained and self-governing. Whether applied to political entities, artistic movements, or philosophical stances, the term denotes a deliberate choice to remain unaligned. It reflects a cultural value placed on individualism and the rejection of collective conformity, often serving as a hallmark of those who define their own reality.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Independents are individuals not tied to a group.
- Commonly used in politics for voters without a party.
- Can also refer to small businesses.
- Implies strength and self-reliance.
When we talk about independents, we are usually describing people who value their freedom of choice. In the world of politics, these are the folks who don't register as a Democrat or a Republican. Instead, they look at each candidate individually.
Being an independent doesn't mean you don't care about the world. It actually means you care enough to do your own research! You aren't tied to a 'party line' or a specific set of rules from a larger group.
Outside of politics, you might hear this word used for independent filmmakers or independent bookstores. These are businesses that aren't owned by giant chains. They get to decide their own style and what products they want to sell. It's all about being your own boss and staying true to your own vision.
The word independent comes from the Latin word independens, which literally means 'not hanging from.' Think of it like a rope; if you are independent, you aren't hanging onto someone else's support system.
The term became popular in the 17th century during the English Civil War. At that time, it referred to a specific group of Christians who believed that each church congregation should be self-governing. They didn't want a big, national church telling them how to pray.
Over the centuries, the meaning expanded. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it was used heavily in politics to describe voters who refused to join the two-party system. It has evolved from a religious term into a badge of honor for anyone who values autonomy and self-reliance.
You will most often hear independents used in news reports, especially during election season. Journalists love to talk about the 'independent vote' because these people often decide who wins an election.
Common collocations include political independents, independent contractors, and fiercely independent. When you describe someone as 'fiercely independent,' you are complimenting their strong personality and their ability to stand on their own two feet.
In a formal setting, you might say, 'The candidate is appealing to independents.' In a casual conversation, you might say, 'She is a total independent; she never listens to what her boss tells her to do.' The word is neutral but carries a positive connotation of strength and intelligence.
While 'independents' is a noun, it relates to many idioms about freedom. 1. To march to the beat of one's own drum: This means doing things your own way regardless of what others think. 2. A lone wolf: Someone who prefers to work alone rather than in a group. 3. Stand on your own two feet: To be self-sufficient and not rely on others. 4. Cut the apron strings: To become independent from your parents or a mentor. 5. Paddle your own canoe: To manage your own affairs without help.
The word independents is a plural noun. You can use it as a subject, like 'The independents are deciding the outcome.' The IPA pronunciation is /ˌɪndɪˈpendənts/ in both British and American English.
The stress is on the third syllable: in-di-PEN-dents. It rhymes with words like 'dependents' and 'ascendants.' Remember that it is a countable noun, so you can have 'one independent' or 'many independents.'
Fun Fact
The term was once used for a religious sect in the 1600s.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'in' sound followed by 'di-pen-dents'.
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'pen'.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable
- Dropping the final 's'
- Mumbling the 'pen' syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context
Easy to use in sentences
Easy to pronounce
Clear pronunciation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Plural Nouns
Independents are...
Subject-Verb Agreement
The independents are...
Adjective vs Noun
Independent (adj) vs Independents (noun)
Examples by Level
She is an independent person.
She / is / independent / person
Adjective usage
He likes to be independent.
He / likes / to be / independent
Infinitive
They are independents.
They / are / independents
Plural noun
I want to be independent.
I / want / to be / independent
Verb pattern
We are independents.
We / are / independents
Plural noun
Be independent today.
Be / independent / today
Imperative
The store is independent.
The / store / is / independent
Adjective
They work as independents.
They / work / as / independents
Noun phrase
The independents did not vote for the big party.
She prefers to shop at independents.
Many independents want change.
He is one of the few independents.
The independents are meeting today.
They are proud to be independents.
Are you an independent voter?
Independents are important in elections.
The candidate needs the support of independents to win.
Small independents are struggling against big chains.
She has always identified as one of the independents.
The independents held a meeting to discuss the issues.
Many independents are tired of the political fighting.
He founded a group for independents.
The film was produced by independents.
Independents often decide the final result.
The rise of independents has changed the political landscape.
As independents, they are not bound by party rules.
The survey showed that independents are leaning toward the center.
She is a champion for independents in the local government.
The independents are a diverse group with many views.
Many independents are skeptical of mainstream media.
The market is dominated by big companies, not independents.
Independents provide a necessary balance in the debate.
The independents represent a significant voting bloc that defies traditional categorization.
His philosophy aligns with the independents who value autonomy above all else.
The independents are often the primary target for moderate political campaigns.
The coalition of independents struggled to find common ground on the policy.
She wrote a manifesto for independents seeking a new way forward.
The independents' influence on the election was far greater than predicted.
He argued that independents are the true guardians of democracy.
The independents remain a volatile but essential part of the electorate.
The historical trajectory of independents reflects a deep-seated desire for institutional detachment.
The independents occupy a liminal space between established political factions.
By positioning themselves as independents, they effectively neutralized the party-line rhetoric.
The independents' refusal to conform is both their greatest strength and their political liability.
The emergence of independents signals a profound shift in the collective consciousness.
The independents, by their very nature, resist the homogenization of political thought.
The independents are the vanguard of a new, decentralized approach to governance.
His work is a testament to the power of independents to challenge the status quo.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"march to the beat of your own drum"
Do things your own way
She always marches to the beat of her own drum.
casual"a lone wolf"
Someone who works alone
He is a lone wolf in the office.
casual"stand on your own two feet"
Be independent
It is time you stand on your own two feet.
neutral"cut the apron strings"
Become independent from parents
He finally cut the apron strings.
casual"paddle your own canoe"
Manage your own affairs
You have to learn to paddle your own canoe.
casual"go it alone"
Do something without help
They decided to go it alone.
neutralEasily Confused
Sounds similar
Dependents rely on others; independents do not.
Children are dependents; adults are independents.
Opposite political meaning
Partisans follow a party; independents do not.
Partisans argue; independents listen.
Similar personality trait
Individualist is a personality type; independent is a status.
He is an individualist who happens to be an independent.
Same meaning
Autonomous is often used for machines or states.
The car is autonomous; the voter is independent.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + are + independents
They are independents.
The + independents + verb
The independents voted.
Support + from + independents
He needs support from independents.
Fiercely + independent + noun
She is a fiercely independent woman.
The + group + of + independents
The group of independents met today.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a person standing on a 'depend' rope and cutting it.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to describe voters or small business owners.
Cultural Insight
In the US, it is a very common term in news.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'An independent' (singular) vs 'The independents' (plural).
Say It Right
Focus on the 'PEN' syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use 'independents' as an adjective.
Did You Know?
It was a religious term first!
Study Smart
Group it with 'autonomy' and 'freedom'.
Better Writing
Use 'fiercely independent' for emphasis.
Speaking Tip
Use it to describe your own preferences.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
IN-DEPEND-ENTS: IN (not) + DEPEND (rely) + ENTS (people). People who do not rely on others.
Visual Association
A person standing on a mountain peak alone, looking at the horizon.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify three people or businesses in your town that are 'independents'.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: Not hanging from
Cultural Context
None, though it can sometimes be used to imply someone is difficult to work with.
In the US, 'independents' is a major political demographic.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Politics
- independent voter
- swing vote
- party lines
Business
- independent contractor
- small business
- local owner
Daily Life
- be independent
- make own choices
- stand alone
Movies/Arts
- independent film
- indie scene
- unique vision
Conversation Starters
"Do you think it is better to be an independent or part of a group?"
"Why do you think more people are becoming independents?"
"Can you name an independent business you like?"
"What does being independent mean to you?"
"Is it hard to be independent in today's world?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were independent.
Why do you think political independents are important?
Describe a person you know who is an independent.
What are the pros and cons of being an independent?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, they are the opposite of a party member.
Yes, if it is not owned by a corporation.
Usually, yes, it implies strength.
Alone is a state; independent is a choice.
No, they are very diverse.
It can be, as you don't have a group to rely on.
Yes, it means they are learning to do things themselves.
Independents.
Test Yourself
The ___ are people who make their own choices.
Independents are defined by making their own choices.
Which of these is an independent?
Independents do not join a party.
Independents always agree with each other.
Independents are individuals with their own views.
Word
Meaning
These are antonyms of each other.
The independents often decide the election.
She is a ___ independent thinker.
Fiercely independent is a common collocation.
What does 'autonomy' mean in relation to independents?
Autonomy means being self-governing.
The word 'independent' comes from Latin.
It comes from 'independens'.
The nature of independents defies conformity.
Which word is an antonym of independent?
A conformist follows the group.
Score: /10
Summary
Independents are people who value their freedom to make their own choices without being told what to do by a larger group.
- Independents are individuals not tied to a group.
- Commonly used in politics for voters without a party.
- Can also refer to small businesses.
- Implies strength and self-reliance.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a person standing on a 'depend' rope and cutting it.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to describe voters or small business owners.
Cultural Insight
In the US, it is a very common term in news.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 'An independent' (singular) vs 'The independents' (plural).
