Independent: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone or something not controlled by others. Often relates to people, countries, or entities that operate without external influence.

• She is an independent woman who makes her own decisions.
• After years under colonial rule, the country finally became independent.

Describes a person or group that relies on their own capabilities and resources rather than depending on others.

• He has been self-reliant since he moved out at 18.
• The community focuses on self-reliant farming practices.

Pertains to systems, regions, or individuals that function on their own, often with a formal or legal degree of self-governance.

• The university operates as an autonomous entity, separate from the government.
• Robots are becoming more autonomous with each technological advancement.

Refers to a person, report, or decision that is impartial and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

• The judge made an unbiased decision based on facts.
• We need an unbiased review of this research.

Use this word when referring to individuals, groups, or nations that are free from external control or influence. It can also refer to someone who is self-reliant and doesn't depend on others.

• She has always been an independent thinker.
• After years of struggle, the country finally became independent.

This term is most appropriately used in discussions about nations or states that possess full control over their own territory and are not subject to any external authority. It can also describe supreme or ultimate power.

• The treaty recognized the country as a sovereign state.
• The monarch held sovereign power over the land.

This is best used to describe organizations, bodies, or territories that have the power to govern themselves without outside interference. It often emphasizes the internal administration and decision-making powers.

• The community set up a self-governing council to manage local affairs.
• The colony evolved into a self-governing state.

This word is suitable for situations where an entity has self-governing powers or is self-directing, particularly in a political or organizational context. It often implies a level of freedom within a larger system.

• The university operates as an autonomous institution.
• Each department within the company is quite autonomous.

Use when describing someone or something that does not rely on others for support or does not belong to any political, social, or other group.

• She is an independent thinker who forms her own opinions.
• He started his own independent business after leaving the corporation.

Use when describing someone or something that does not support or is not affiliated with any particular political party, especially in a context related to politics or governance.

• The organization provides nonpartisan information about voting rights.
• He took a nonpartisan approach to discussing the new policy.

Use when talking about a person or group that does not have formal connections or associations with other organizations, groups, or parties.

• She is an unaffiliated voter, not aligned with any political party.
• The researcher conducted the study independently, remaining unaffiliated with any institution.

Use when describing a position or stance that is not taking sides in a conflict or dispute.

• Switzerland maintained a neutral stance during World War II.
• The mediator remained neutral throughout the negotiation process.