English Reference
adjective · noun

independent

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/ UK /ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt/ in·de·pen·dent UK spelling independents

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.not needing help or money from other people.

    adj.capable of functioning or acting without external control or financial support.

    Simple

    Now that she has a good job, she is financially independent.

    In context

    The young adult sought to become independent of his family's influence by moving to a different city and securing his own housing.

    Pitfall
    He is independent from his parents. He is independent of his parents.

    While 'from' is sometimes used, 'independent of' is the standard prepositional pairing for describing freedom from influence or support.

    self reliantautonomous
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.a country that is free and not ruled by another country.

    adj.possessing the status of a self-governing nation; not subject to the authority of another state.

    Simple

    The nation became independent in 1960 after years of colonial rule.

    In context

    The treaty recognized the territory as a fully independent state with the power to manage its own foreign policy and defense.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.not influenced by the opinions or actions of others.

    adj.not subject to bias, external influence, or the control of a larger organization.

    Simple

    The committee will conduct an independent investigation into the accident.

    In context

    The researchers insisted on an independent peer review to ensure that the findings were not skewed by the funding agency's interests.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    n.a person who does not belong to a specific political party.

    n.a candidate or voter who is not affiliated with any established political party.

    Simple

    He decided to run as an independent because he disagreed with both major parties.

    In context

    In a closely contested election, the support of undecided independents often determines the final outcome in swing districts.

    non partisanunaffiliated
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a small company that is not owned by a large corporation.

    n.a small, privately owned business or artistic entity that operates outside the control of major conglomerates.

    Simple

    The town has many independents, like the local bookstore and the family-run bakery.

    In context

    The rise of digital distribution has allowed musical independents to reach a global audience without signing to a major record label.

Usage independent science · independent review · independent investigation

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated