Independence: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：self-sufficiency (independence)

independence 🔊

/ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/

the state of being able to make your own decisions and do things without needing help from others.

self-sufficiency 🔊

➕

/ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi/

The quality or state of functioning or thinking autonomously, free from external control, support, or influence.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'dependere' (to hang from) + '-entia' (noun suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

INside, I DEPEND on my own END decision-making.

📖 Example

When he started learning coding online, he showed great independence and rarely asked for help. 🔊 When he started learning coding online, he showed great self-sufficiency and rarely asked for help.

🔗 Collocations

financial independence – the state of having enough income to support oneself without relying on others

declare independence – to formally announce that a country or region is free from the rule of another

fierce independence – a very strong and determined desire to be self-reliant

🔄 Synonyms

autonomy (n.) – freedom from external control or influence; self-government

self-reliance (n.) – reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others

self-sufficiency (n.) – the ability to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid

🚫 Antonyms

dependence (n.) – the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else

reliance (n.) – dependence on or trust in someone or something

subordination (n.) – the state of being lower in rank or position; subject to the authority of another

🌱 Derivatives

independent (adj.) – free from outside control; not subject to another's authority

independently (adv.) – in an independent manner; without outside help or influence

independency (n.) – an archaic or formal term for independence

📖 Cultural Story

The term gained profound political significance during the Age of Enlightenment and revolutions, most notably with the U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776), cementing its association with national sovereignty and self-governance.