What does independent mean?
Independent means free from the control, direction, or support of someone or something else. The word is used for people who make their own decisions, organizations that operate without outside control, investigations conducted without institutional allegiance, and political positions not tied to a party. It can also mean separate or able to function apart from something else, as in an independent school or an organization independent of government. In personal contexts, “independent” often suggests self-reliance, although it does not necessarily mean refusing all help or cooperation. In political language, an independent person or group does not formally represent a political party. Historically, the word developed from the Latin independens, formed from in-, meaning “not,” and pendere, meaning “to hang,” originally describing a situation that did not depend on something else. Its enduring central idea is autonomy: having the authority, resources, or position to stand apart from another authority.
Not subject to the control, direction, or influence of another person or organization; not relying on another for support.
"The review found that the decision had been made by an independent panel."
In political contexts, “independent” means not affiliated with or supporting a political party.
A person or group that is not affiliated with a political party or does not act under another organization’s control.
"Several independents joined the committee after the election."
This noun use is especially common in political reporting.
Usually refers to people or groups that are politically unaffiliated or operate without allegiance to a larger organization.
"The party lost several seats to independents."
Independence did not begin as a political slogan: it comes from the Latin for “not hanging upon” another, and it still carries that idea of standing on one’s own.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does independent come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century from the Latin independens, meaning “not dependent.” Latin independens was formed from in-, “not,” and pendere, “to hang,” literally suggesting something not hanging upon or being attached to something else. English later developed the closely related forms independence and independently, while cognates in other European languages developed the same Latin source. The modern sense expanded from legal and political self-determination to the broader ideas of autonomy and self-reliance.
Related word forms
How independent is actually used
The word is common in political, institutional, and personal contexts. In British English, “independent” can also mean not affiliated with a political party; “independently” is often used to mean “without relying on others.”
Easily confused with independent
An independent person or organization does not rely on or answer to another; a dependent one relies on or is controlled by another.