independent
gb/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt/ us/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Not under another's control
Not controlled or ruled by another person, group, or country.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is independent
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'independent' with 'individual'. 'Independent' means free from control; 'individual' means single or separate.
Synonyms
autonomous (Often used in political or organizational contexts to mean self-governing.)
Antonyms
dependent (Relies on others for control, support, or guidance.)
Collocations
independent country
|independent organization
|independent decision
|independent study
|independent body
Themes
politics
|society
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The country became independent after years of struggle.
- She is an independent thinker who values her own judgment.
- The committee operates as an independent body.
Learner examples
- India is an independent country.
- I want to be independent and live alone.
- The school is independent from the government.
adjective
A2
property
2
Able to manage without help
Able to live and take care of yourself without needing help from others.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is independent
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'independence' instead of 'independent' when describing a person (e.g., 'She is independence' is incorrect).
Synonyms
self-sufficient (Emphasizes providing for one's own needs without outside help.)
Antonyms
reliant (Depends on someone or something for support.)
Collocations
financially independent
|independent adult
|independent lifestyle
Themes
daily life
|personal development
|daily_life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- By 25, she was financially independent.
- He wants his children to grow into independent adults.
- Living alone has made him more independent.
Learner examples
- She is financially independent.
- I am independent and can cook for myself.
- He became independent after getting a job.
adjective
B2
property
3
Not belonging to a party
Not a member of any political party.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is independent
Synonyms
nonpartisan (Avoids supporting any political party or bias.)
Antonyms
partisan (Strongly supports a particular political party or cause.)
Collocations
independent candidate
|independent voter
Themes
politics
Examples
- She ran as an independent candidate in the election.
- Independent voters often decide close races.
- He prides himself on being politically independent.
Learner examples
- He is an independent voter.
- She is an independent candidate for mayor.
- I want to be politically independent.
Noun
B2
entity
4
Unaffiliated person in politics
A person who is not a member of any political party.
Synonyms
nonpartisan (Describes someone who avoids political party affiliation.)
Antonyms
party member (Belongs to a specific political party.)
Collocations
registered Independent
Themes
politics
Examples
- Many Independents voted for the reform bill.
- He identifies as an Independent rather than joining a party.
- The debate included both party candidates and an Independent.
Learner examples
- She is an Independent.
- Many Independents voted in the election.
- He is an Independent in politics.
Grammar
Dictionary form
independent
IPA
GB/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt/
US/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt/
Syllables & stress
in - de - pend - ent (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (pend)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: independent
Noun
- Base: independent
- Plural: independents
Word family
Forms
independents
noun
Core family
independence
noun B1
independently
adverb B1
Related words
depend
verb A2
Negative and opposite forms
dependent
adjective B1
dependence
noun B1
Expressions
independent study
1/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt stˈʌdi/
fixed phrase
Learning without supervision
A way of learning where you work alone without a teacher in the room all the time.
Examples
- He completed the project through an independent study course.
- Independent study requires good time management skills.
financial independence
1/fɪnˈænʃəl ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəns/
fixed phrase
Self-supporting financially
When you can pay for your life without money from others.
Examples
- Achieving financial independence is her main goal.
- She reached financial independence at the age of 40.
- Financial independence allows people to make their own choices.
- Financial independence gives you more choices in life.
gain independence
1/ɡˈeɪn ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəns/
fixed phrase
Achieve freedom from control
To become free from another country's or group's control.
Examples
- The nation gained independence after decades of struggle.
- Many African nations gained independence in the 20th century.
- She gained independence when she moved out of her parents' house.
- She worked hard to gain financial independence.
independent contractor
1/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt kəntɹˈæktɚ/
fixed phrase
Self-employed service provider
A person who works for themselves and is paid for work but is not an employee of the company.
Examples
- She works as an independent contractor for several firms.
- She works as an independent contractor for several tech companies.
- Independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes.
- As an independent contractor, you have to pay your own taxes.
declare independence
1/dɪklˈɛɹ ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəns/
fixed phrase
Formally announce freedom from control
To officially say that a country is free from another country's control.
Examples
- The colony declared independence in 1960.
- The region declared independence after the referendum.
- The province voted to declare independence after years of conflict.
- They declared independence from the federation after years of conflict.
- Several colonies declared independence in the 18th century.
- Several leaders gathered to declare independence from the empire.