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Unaffiliated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unaffiliated

[ˌənəˈfɪlɪeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

not connected or associated with a particular group or organization

Unaffiliated means not officially attached or connected to any specific group, organization, or institution. It refers to someone or something that is independent and not under the influence or control of others.

Synonyms

independent, neutral, separate, unattached.

Examples of usage

  • He is unaffiliated with any political party.
  • The company remains unaffiliated with any trade unions.
  • She prefers to remain unaffiliated with any religious organization.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Context

  • In politics, someone who is unaffiliated might not belong to any political party and can vote for candidates from different parties.
  • In some countries, unaffiliated voters can influence election outcomes, as they are often seen as swing voters.

Sociology

  • The term is often used in sociological discussions to describe individuals who choose not to identify with a particular cultural or social group.
  • Unaffiliated individuals may seek alternative communities that align with personal beliefs rather than traditional group affiliations.

Education

  • In the context of education, an unaffiliated student might attend classes without being part of an institution or official program.
  • Some academic researchers may choose to be unaffiliated to maintain independence from institutional biases.

Technology

  • In the tech industry, unaffiliated developers might work on open-source projects, collaborating with anyone without a company alignment.
  • Many tech startups begin with unaffiliated individuals pooling their skills to create something innovative without corporate constraints.

Origin of 'unaffiliated'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'affiliated' comes from Latin, meaning 'to be joined or connected'.
  • The word has been in use since the mid-20th century, originally referring to membership in organizations.

The word 'unaffiliated' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' with the word 'affiliated', which comes from the Latin word 'affiliare' meaning 'to adopt as a son' or 'to associate with'. Over time, 'unaffiliated' has come to be commonly used in various contexts to describe things or individuals that are not connected or associated with a particular group or organization.

See also: affiliate, affiliation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,810, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.