independence

¹

[in-di-pen-duhns]

noun

1. Also the state or quality of being independent.

2. freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

3. Archaic.,  a competency.

Independence

²

[in-di-pen-duhns]

noun

1. a city in W Missouri: starting point of the Santa Fe and Oregon trails.

2. a town in SE Kansas.

Independence

¹

/ ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. a city in W Missouri, near Kansas City: starting point for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails (1831–44). Pop: 112 079 (2003 est)

independence

²

/ ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. Also called: independency. the state or quality of being independent

Independence

1. City in western Missouri.

Beginning of the Santa Fe Trail, used by settlers moving west.

Other Word Forms

• interindependence noun
• postindependence adjective
• preindependence noun
• superindependence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Independence¹

First recorded in 1630–40; independ(ent) + -ence

Synonym Study

See freedom.

Example Sentences

Bettag noted that even though former Paramount majority shareholder Shari Redstone was updated on “60 Minutes” stories amid the legal battle earlier this year, he believes the program retained its editorial rigor and independence.

From Los Angeles Times

“His power over me eroded my independence and sense of self until I felt no choice but to submit.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Tory leader also dismissed calls for a second independence referendum as a "distraction".

From BBC

The NLRB’s independence is under attack on two fronts.

From Los Angeles Times

Gen. Rob Bonta to investigate separately, questioning the independence of the report.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ability 
• autonomy 
• self-determination 
• self-government 
• self-reliance 
• self-rule 
• self-sufficiency www.thesaurus.com
• separation 
• sovereignty