independent

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective country 1 ~ (from / of sth) (of countries) having their own government: Mozambique became independent in 1975. separate 2 done or given by sb who is not involved in a situation and so is able to judge it fairly: an independent inquiry / witness * She went to a lawyer for some independent advice. 3 ~ (of sb/sth) not connected with or influenced by sth; not connected with each other: The police force should be independent of direct government control. * Two independent research bodies reached the same conclusions. organization 4 supported by private money rather than government money: independent television / schools * the independent sector person 5 ~ (of sb/sth) confident and free to do things without needing help from other people: Going away to college has made me much more independent. * She's a very independent-minded young woman. * Students should aim to become more independent of their teachers. 6 ~ (of sb/sth) having or earning enough money so that you do not have to rely on sb else for help: It was important to me to be financially independent of my parents. * a man of independent means (= with a private income) politician 7 not representing or belonging to a particular political party: an independent candidate independently adverb ~ (of sb/sth): The two departments work independently of each other. * It was the first time that she had lived independently. noun (abbreviation Ind.) a member of parliament, candidate, etc. who does not belong to a particular political party: She's standing as an independent at the next election.