independent

Definitions

1. adjective

   Free from the control of others.

   Examples

   • The colony declared itself independent.
   • She lived an independent life and relied on no one.
2. adjective

   Not belonging to any political party.

   Examples

   • The independent candidate won a lot of votes.
   • Many independent voters are still deciding.
3. adjective

   Enough to live on without help from others.

   Examples

   • He earned an independent income from his investments.
   • Her business gave her an independent living.
4. adjective

   Fair and free from outside influence.

   Examples

   • An independent panel looked at the evidence.
   • She made an independent decision without pressure.
5. adjective

   Not affected by something else.

   Examples

   • The results were independent of the method used.
   • Her success was independent of her family connections.
6. noun

   A person who does not belong to a political party.

   Examples

   • He ran as an independent in the local election.
   • Many voters in the area are independents.
7. noun

   A person who does not take sides.

   Examples

   • She stayed an independent throughout the debate.
   • The committee had several independents among its members.
8. noun

   A small shop or business that is not part of a chain.

   Examples

   • The area is full of independents rather than chains.
   • She prefers to shop at local independents.
9. noun

   A sports team that does not belong to a league.

   Examples

   • The college team played as an independent that season.
   • As an independent, they set up their own games each year.