Independent (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Free from external control and constraint; "an independent mind"; "a series of independent judgments"; "fiercely independent individualism".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She's always been an independent person, never relying on others to make decisions for her.
- The judge was known for her independent thinking, often dissenting from the majority opinion.
- As a fiercely independent artist, he refused to compromise his vision to appease critics or please fans.
- The researchers made a series of independent observations before drawing their conclusions.
- The company prided itself on its independent ownership, free from the influence of outside investors.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
(of a clause) capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence; "the main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The independent clause "I went to the store" can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- In the sentence "I went to the store because I needed milk," "I went to the store" is the independent clause.
- The phrase "because I was tired" is not an independent clause, but "I went to bed" is.
- The sentence "I love reading books, which is my favorite hobby" contains an independent clause "I love reading books".
- In the sentence "When I got home, I started dinner," "I started dinner" is the independent clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Meaning 3
(of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces; "an autonomous judiciary"; "a sovereign state".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The independent country has its own government and laws.
- She advocates for an independent judiciary to ensure impartial decisions.
- The new constitution guarantees the country's status as an independent nation.
- After gaining independence, the small nation became an independent state with its own diplomatic relations.
- The treaty recognizes the independent status of the indigenous people and their right to self-governance.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 4
Not controlled by a party or interest group.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The independent candidate ran for office without the support of a major party.
- She prided herself on being an independent thinker, unswayed by popular opinion.
- The independent commission was established to investigate the allegations of corruption.
- As an independent contractor, he was responsible for his own benefits and taxes.
- The independent media outlet was known for its unbiased reporting and in-depth analysis.