What does independence mean?
Independence is the condition of being free from the control, direction, or authority of another person or institution. It is most often used politically for a state's sovereignty, as in a nation gaining independence from colonial rule, but it also describes personal autonomy, financial self-reliance, and the freedom to make one's own judgments. In everyday use, the word often carries a positive connotation of self-determination and responsibility: independent people and communities determine their own affairs. It can also be used more neutrally when discussing a formal legal status. The related adjective independent describes someone or something able to act without relying on another's permission, control, or support. Although independence and freedom overlap, they are not identical: freedom emphasizes the absence of restraint, whereas independence more specifically emphasizes standing apart from another authority and determining one's own course. The word is formal but widely understood in British and American English, and it remains central to political, legal, and personal discourse.
nounThe state of being free from the control, direction, or authority of another person or institution. It may refer to personal autonomy, financial self-reliance, intellectual judgment, or a state's political sovereignty.
- Freedom from external control, direction, or reliance on another person or institution.
- Political sovereignty, especially the recognized right of a nation or territory to govern itself.
- Financial or economic self-sufficiency.
- Freedom from reliance on others for one's judgment, opinions, or way of life.
"The country won independence after decades of resistance and negotiation."
"Her independence allowed her to choose a career without considering what others expected of her."
"The treaty formally recognized the island's independence from foreign rule."
Relatively rare; usually used when referring to multiple separate political entities, statuses, or acts of independence.
"The organization was founded to preserve the political independencies of its member states."
The word independence hides a weighing scale: its Latin roots convey the idea of not being weighed down by another authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does independence come from?
Independence entered English from French in the 16th century. French indépendance was derived from Latin independens, formed from in-, meaning “not,” and pendere, “to weigh,” giving the underlying sense of being “not weighed against” or not held in dependence. Its cognates in several European languages preserve the same Latin source, while the related English adjective independent follows the same historical development.
How independence is actually used
The word is formal but widely used and is common in political, legal, and personal contexts. It generally carries positive connotations of self-determination and responsibility, though it can also describe a legally recognized status without implying approval.
Easily confused with independence
Independence means self-direction or sovereignty, whereas dependence means reliance on or subordination to someone or something else.