Independence

/,indi'pendəns/
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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The state or condition of being free from the control, influence, or support of others; self-government or autonomy. This is the primary meaning, referring to political sovereignty or personal self-reliance.
    • A sufficient income or financial means to support oneself without needing help from others. This meaning relates to economic self-sufficiency.
    • The capability of thinking or acting for oneself.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The country fought for and won its independence from colonial rule.
    • Financial independence is an important goal for many young adults.
    • She values her independence and makes all her own decisions.
Advanced Usage
  • "to declare independence": to formally announce freedom from another governing power.
    • The colonies declared independence in 1776.
  • "independence of mind/spirit": the quality of thinking freely and forming one's own opinions.
    • The professor was known for her fierce independence of mind.
  • "Independence Day": a national holiday celebrating a country's establishment as an independent state.
    • We watch fireworks on the Fourth of July, which is Independence Day in the United States.
Variants and Related Words
  • Independent (adjective): not influenced or controlled by others; not depending on another for livelihood or support.
    • She is a very independent thinker.
  • Independently (adverb): in an independent manner.
    • The two departments operate independently.
Synonyms
  • Autonomy: the right or condition of self-government.
  • Self-reliance: reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others.
  • Self-sufficiency: the ability to maintain oneself without outside aid.
  • Sovereignty: supreme power or authority, especially of a state to govern itself.
Antonyms
  • Dependence: the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
  • Subordination: the action of subordinating or the state of being subordinate.
Related Phrases
  • "to gain/achieve independence": to obtain freedom or self-rule.
    • The nation worked for decades to gain independence.
  • "a war of independence": a conflict fought by a group to become free from the rule of another.
    • The history books detail the war of independence.
Noun
  1. a city in western Missouri; the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail
  2. the successful ending of the American Revolution
    • they maintained close relations with England even after independence
  3. freedom from control or influence of another or others