# independence

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ (US) · /ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/independence
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. political freedom

noun · CEFR B2

the freedom of a country to govern itself and not be ruled by another country.

For teachers: the status of a nation-state that exercises self-government and holds sovereignty over its own territory.

- The country celebrated fifty years of independence from colonial rule last week.
- The declaration of independence marked a definitive break from the imperial power, establishing a new framework for national governance.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'from'.

### 2. personal self-reliance

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to live your life and make your own decisions without needing help or money from others.

For teachers: the quality of being self-reliant or self-sufficient in one's personal, financial, or professional life.

- Moving into his own apartment gave him a new sense of independence.
- Financial independence allows individuals to pursue career paths based on personal interest rather than immediate economic necessity.

### 3. impartiality

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

the state of not being influenced by others when making a judgment or doing a job.

For teachers: the quality of being objective and not influenced by vested interests or external pressure.

- The committee was chosen for its independence from the main political parties.
- The central bank's independence is crucial for maintaining public trust in the country's monetary policy and inflation targets.

## Examples

- The young adult enjoyed the independence of living in her own apartment.
- After decades of colonial rule, the nation finally celebrated its independence and held its first free elections.
- The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual independence, encouraging students to challenge established theories rather than merely memorising them for the final examination.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.