independence
ihn-dih-PEHN-duhns
Independence (noun) means Freedom from control, influence, or support by others. Example: “The colony fought a long war for independence.”
noun
1
Freedom from control, influence, or support by others.
"The colony fought a long war for independence."
"Getting a job gave her a new sense of independence."
"Teenagers often crave independence and resent being told what to do."
2
The state of having enough resources to support oneself without relying on others.
"He valued his financial independence too much to move back in with his parents."
"Saving every month gave him the independence to leave a job he hated."
"Her small business brought her financial independence at last."
How to use independence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing free to govern or support yourself without relying on someone else.
Common pairings
declare independence
financial independence
fight for independence
Independence Day
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Word forms
- Plural
- independences
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The colony fought a long war for _____.
Etymology
From French indépendance, built from in- ("not") + dependence.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for independence
See all rhymes for independence →Frequently asked questions
What does “independence” mean?
The word “independence” means freedom from control, influence, or support by others. In plain terms, being free to govern or support yourself without relying on someone else.
How do you pronounce “independence”?
“Independence” is pronounced ihn-dih-PEHN-duhns (/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “independence” in a sentence?
Here is “independence” used in a sentence: “The colony fought a long war for independence.”
What part of speech is “independence”?
“Independence” is a noun.
Where does the word “independence” come from?
The word “independence” comes from French. From French indépendance, built from in- ("not") + dependence.
Is “independence” a common word?
“Independence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “independence” have?
“Independence” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: freedom from control, influence, or support by others.
What is the difference between independence and freedom?
Freedom is the general ability to act, speak, or think without restraint. Independence is more specific: not relying on or being controlled by someone else. A person can have freedom within a group yet lack independence if they still depend on it. Independence stresses self-reliance and standing on your own.
What is the opposite of independence?
The main opposite is dependence, relying on others for support, control, or resources. Related opposites include subordination, reliance, and, for nations, colonization or occupation. A child's growth, for example, is often described as moving from dependence toward independence as they learn to manage life on their own.
What are the types of independence?
Independence takes several forms. Political independence is a nation governing itself, free of foreign rule. Financial independence means having enough income or savings to support yourself. Personal or emotional independence is managing your own life and decisions. People also speak of intellectual independence, thinking for oneself rather than following others.
Why is independence important?
Independence lets people and nations make their own choices, shaping their lives according to their own values rather than someone else's control. It builds confidence, responsibility, and resilience, since self-reliant people can weather setbacks. For countries, it underpins sovereignty and self-determination, the right to govern their own affairs.
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