independence
English meaning: Independence
Definition
The state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by others; self-subsistence or maintenance; direction of one's own affairs without interference.
Example
“The colony finally won its independence after years of struggle.”
Another example: “Owning her own business gave her a real sense of financial independence.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal-to-neutral noun for the state of being free from outside control. Used of nations ('declare independence'), people ('financial independence'), and institutions ('judicial independence'). Capitalised in 'Independence Day' and 'Declaration of Independence'. 'Independent' is the adjective.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'independent' (from 'in-' not + 'dependent') plus '-ence'; recorded from the 17th century, gaining political prominence in the 18th.
Synonyms
- autonomy
- self-rule
- sovereignty
- self-reliance
Antonyms / Opposites
- dependence
- subjection
- reliance
- subordination
Related Words
- referendum
- kosovo
- declaration
- angola
- sovereignty
- autonomy
- gandhi
- proclaimed
- pakistan
- bangladesh
Common Collocations
- declare independence
- financial independence
- gain independence
- independence movement
- independence day
- fight for independence
Word Forms
independent (adj); independence (n); independently (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B