independent

Able to act or exist without being controlled by, needing, or relying on someone or something else.

• She is very independent.
• The country became independent in 1960.
• These two decisions are independent of each other.

How to use it: independent of someone/something (The newspaper is independent of the government.)

Similar words: self-reliant, autonomous, separate

Opposites: dependent

Common phrases: independent country, financially independent, independent of something

Someone who makes their own judgments without being guided by other people.

• She has an independent mind.
• We need an independent opinion on this plan.
• His independent thinking often challenged the group.

Similar words: free-thinking, unbiased

Common phrases: independent mind, independent judgment, independent thinker

Large enough to pay for a comfortable life without needing to work.

• She inherited an independent income.
• An independent fortune allowed him to leave his profession.
• He was a gentleman of independent means.

Similar words: sufficient, ample

Common phrases: independent income, independent fortune, independent means

A person who supports themselves without depending on another person.

• She became an independent after finding work.
• These independents pay their own living costs.
• He wanted to live as an independent.

Opposites: dependent

Common phrases: an independent, financial independent