independent

in-di-PEN-duhnt/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dənt/

8 meanings of independent

1
self-reliantadjective
Not controlled by or needing other people or things, and free to act on its own.
Like a plant that keeps growing on its own without anyone to water it.
She is very independent and likes to do most things by herself.
The new tablet works on its own and is independent of the main computer.
UsageSay independent of someone, but dependent on someone.
2
privately ownedadjective
Of a business, school or film: not owned, paid for or run by a big company, a chain or the government.
Our town still has a small independent bookstore on Main Street.
They went to see an independent movie that was made with very little money.
UsageFor music and films people often say indie: an indie band.
Similarindie, private
Oppositecorporate
Note
3
adjective
Free from the control of others, so able to make fair choices.
Like a referee who doesn't care which team wins.
We need an independent judge who will be fair to both sides.
We asked an independent inspector, not the seller's friend, to check the house.
Similarimpartial, unbiased, objective, neutral, nonpartisan
Oppositebiased, partial, partisan
4
non-party candidatenouncountable
A voter or politician who does not belong to or identify with a political party.
Like a fan who cheers for good players on every team, not just one.
She left her party and now runs for office as an independent.
The independents in our town don't follow any party line.
UsageSay someone runs as an independent.
5
adjective
Not belonging to any political party.
Like a player who is on no team and plays only for themselves.
He is an independent candidate, so he is not part of any party.
The mayor stayed independent and never joined a party.
Similarunaffiliated, nonpartisan
Oppositepartisan, affiliated
Note

Less common meanings

6
nouncountable
A small business owned by a private person, not part of a big chain.
Like a family-run shop instead of a giant supermarket.
We buy our bread from a small independent near our house.
The big stores can charge less than the independents.
Oppositechain
7
nouncountable
A sports team that does not belong to any league or athletic conference.
Like a kid who plays games with anyone, not just one team.
The team is an independent, so it is not in any league.
Independents have to set up their own games each season.
Note
8
enough to liveadjective
Big enough to let someone live in comfort without needing a job.
Like having a money tree that keeps you comfortable without a job.
She has an independent income, so she does not need to work.
He has independent means, so he does not need a job.
UsageSaid of money: independent means, an independent income.
Note

Practice

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Origin

Made from in- ("not") and dependent. French has a matching word, "indépendant."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

English independent comes from Middle English independent, equivalent to in- + dependent; French indépendant is a comparison. en.wiktionary.org