Independence
/,indi'pendəns/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a city in western Missouri; the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail
- the successful ending of the American Revolution
- they maintained close relations with England even after independence
- freedom from control or influence of another or others