independent
in·de·pend·ent / ˌindəˈpendənt/ • adj. 1. free from outside control; not depending on another's authority: the study is totally independent of central government Canada's largest independent investment firm. ∎ (of a country) self-governing: India became independent in 1947. ∎ not belonging to or supported by a political party: the independent candidate. ∎ (of broadcasting, a school, etc.) not supported by public funds. ∎ not influenced or affected by others; impartial: a thorough and independent investigation of the case. ∎ (Independent) hist. Congregational.2. not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence: I wanted to remain independent in old age. ∎ capable of thinking or acting for oneself: advice for independent travelers. ∎ (of income or resources) making it unnecessary to earn one's living: a woman of independent means.3. not connected with another or with each other; separate: we need two independent witnesses to testify | the legislature and the judicature are independent of each other. ∎ not depending on something else for strength or effectiveness; freestanding: an independent electric shower. ∎ Math. (of one of a set of axioms, equations, or quantities) incapable of being expressed in terms of, or derived or deduced from, the others.• n. an independent person or body. ∎ an independent political candidate, voter, etc. ∎ (Independent) hist. a Congregationalist.DERIVATIVES: in·de·pend·ent·ly adv.