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independent

/ɪndɪˈpɛndənt/

When using 'independent', it is most commonly followed by the preposition 'of'. For example, you are 'independent of' someone or something. In a political context, an 'independent' (used as a noun) refers to a person who does not belong to any political party.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Jessica is staring at a chaotic Gantt chart while Mr. Sterling is meditating in a sensory deprivation tank.
Mr. Sterling

The project needs to be more independent. Let it breathe like a wild orchid.

Mr. Sterling
Jessica
Jessica

Sir, that's not how logistics work. We are literally falling apart at the seams.

💡
Mr. Sterling uses 'independent' to mean free from corporate structure or control (metaphorically), while Jessica responds with the idiom 'falling apart at the seams', meaning the project is collapsing due to a lack of organization.

Meanings

adjective

Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, or policy; free from outside control.

"She is a strong, independent woman who makes her own decisions."

adjective

Not relying on another for financial or emotional support.

"After graduating from college, he became financially independent of his parents."

adjective

Not connected with or dependent on something else; separate.

"The two events are independent of each other and occur at different times."

adjective

Referring to a country that is self-governing and not ruled by another nation.

"The colony fought a long war to become an independent state."

Examples

I just want to be independent for once in my life!

Look, I am a completely independent woman, thank you very much.

Are these two issues truly independent of each other, boss?

We need to remain independent from their corporate influence.

My goal is to become financially independent by age thirty.

She values her independent streak more than anything else.

The country fought hard to remain an independent nation.

I prefer working with independent contractors for this specific project.

Related Words

Last Updated: May 21, 2026Report an Error