independent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   free from external control and constraint

   an independent mind

2. 2
   adj

   of a clause, capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence

   The main independent clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb.

3. 3
   adj

   Not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free.

   Niinisto pointed out that he had already told Putin at their first meeting in 2012 that “each independent nation would maximize its own security.” “That is still the case. By joining NATO, Finland will strengthen its own security and assume its responsibilities. It is not something away from anybody,” Niinisto said.

4. 4
   adj

   Not affiliated with any political party.

   the independent candidate

5. 5
   adj

   Providing a comfortable livelihood.

   an independent property

6. 6
   adj

   Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.

   a man of an independent mind

7. 7
   adj

   Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.

   That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement.

8. 8
   noun

   A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a freethinker, free of a party platform.

   “Independents opposed the bill by around a 3-to-1 margin … The KFF and Fox News polls – the ones with the fewest undecideds – showed 7 in 10 independents opposed it,” Blake wrote.

Etymology

From French indépendant, equivalent to in- + dependent.