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