independent

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
noun
  1. A person who is not part of a particular political party or group.
    • The election attracted many independents who were tired of party politics.
    • As an independent, she could vote for the best candidate regardless of party.
    • The group was a coalition of independents and small-party members.
adjective
  1. Free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.
    • The independent review found no evidence of wrongdoing.
    • After years of war, the country became an independent nation.
    • She is an independent thinker who makes up her own mind.
  2. Not relying on someone else for financial or emotional support; self-sufficient.
    • She saved enough money to be financially independent by age 30.
    • He moved out of his parents' house to live an independent life.
    • The elderly woman remained independent and lived alone in her own home.
  3. Not connected with or influenced by something else; separate.
    • The company's divisions operate as independent units.
    • The two studies were conducted by independent research teams.
    • Each witness gave an independent account of the accident.
  4. (of a political candidate or voter) not belonging to or supporting any political party.
    • Independent voters often decide the outcome of close elections.
    • She ran for office as an independent candidate.
    • He registered as an independent because he didn't trust either major party.
What does "independent" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean