independence
C1Formal and Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The state of being free from external control or support; self-government; the ability to live your life without being helped or influenced by others.
A condition of a person, nation, country, or system in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. It can also refer to personal autonomy, financial self-sufficiency, or the property of being functionally separate (e.g., statistical independence).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The concept inherently implies a previous state of dependence or control, against which the independence is defined. It carries strong positive connotations of freedom, self-reliance, and maturity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The word is equally central in both historical narratives (e.g., American Independence Day, Scottish independence debate).
Connotations
In UK contexts, often associated with political movements (e.g., Scottish independence). In US contexts, heavily tied to national founding mythology (Independence Day).
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, with slightly more historical/political usage in US media due to the national holiday.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
independence from + [source of control] (e.g., independence from colonial rule)independence of + [entity] (e.g., independence of the judiciary)independence for + [entity gaining it] (e.g., independence for the region)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “declare your independence”
- “a declaration of independence”
- “fly the nest (metaphor for gaining personal independence)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a company's financial health and decision-making freedom from parent companies or investors.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and statistics (e.g., independent variables).
Everyday
Describes teenagers moving out, elderly people living alone, or personal financial freedom.
Technical
In statistics: the property that the occurrence of one event does not affect the probability of another.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The region voted to **independence** itself from the federation. (Rare, non-standard)
- They are working to **independence** the territory. (Rare, non-standard)
American English
- The colonists sought to **independence** from British rule. (Rare, non-standard. Note: 'to gain independence' is correct.)
adverb
British English
- He acted quite **independence**, without consulting anyone. (Non-standard/archaic)
- They lived **independence** of state aid. (Rare, awkward)
American English
- She runs her business very **independence**. (Incorrect; should be 'independently')
adjective
British English
- She has a fiercely **independence** streak in her character. (Colloquial shortening of 'independent')
- An **Independence** Day celebration.
American English
- He's got that **independence** mindset. (Colloquial)
- The **Independence** Hall historical site.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Teenagers often want more **independence** from their parents.
- The country celebrates its **Independence** Day every year.
- She valued her financial **independence** and worked hard to achieve it.
- After the war, the colony finally gained its **independence**.
- The central bank's **independence** from political influence is crucial for economic stability.
- Statistical **independence** between the two variables had to be verified before the analysis.
- The judiciary's **independence** was severely compromised by the executive's recent appointments, raising concerns about the rule of law.
- While advocating for regional **independence**, the movement also had to address complex issues of economic interdependence with neighbouring states.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IN' (not) + 'DEPENDENCE' (relying on others). You are IN a state of NOT DEPENDING on anyone.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDEPENDENCE IS FREEDOM FROM CHAINS/BURDENS. INDEPENDENCE IS STANDING ALONE (as a pillar). INDEPENDENCE IS MATURITY (a child becoming an adult).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'независимость' for personal self-sufficiency in all contexts; it can sound overly political. 'Самостоятельность' is often better for personal autonomy.
- Confusing 'independence' with 'individualism'. Independence is about freedom from control, individualism is about prioritizing the self over the group.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'independence *of*' vs. 'independence *from*'. Use 'from' for freedom from a controller, 'of' for the attribute possessed (e.g., 'the independence of the press').
- Misspelling: 'independance' (common error, influenced by words like 'France').
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition correctly completes the sentence: 'The audit committee must maintain its independence ____ the management it is reviewing.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Independence' implies a complete lack of external control or support. 'Autonomy' often means self-governance within a larger framework or system, allowing for a degree of external oversight or connection.
No, the standard adjective is 'independent'. Using 'independence' as an adjective (e.g., 'an independence person') is non-standard and incorrect.
Yes, when referring to a specific national holiday (e.g., the US Independence Day on July 4th), it is a proper noun and capitalized. When speaking generically about a day marking independence, lowercase is used.
Use 'independence from' to indicate what you are free *from* (e.g., independence from Britain). Use 'independence of' to describe the quality or attribute possessed by something (e.g., the independence of the media, independence of mind).
Collections
Part of a collection
Personality Traits
B1 · 36 words · Describing character and personal qualities.
Media Analysis
B2 · 49 words · Critically analyzing media and information.