independence
Definitions
The state of being free from outside control or support; self-government
独立，自主；自治
The ability to manage one's own affairs without relying on others
自立，不依赖他人
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (not) + depend (hang from / rely on) + -ence (state) = the state of not hanging from anything. To have independence is to stand on your own, with nothing external holding you up — whether a nation, a person, or a budget.
Root depend still carries 5 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.political independence政治独立
- 2.financial independence财务独立
- 3.declare independence宣布独立
- 4.war of independence独立战争
Example Sentences
- 1.
The country declared its independence in 1947.
- 2.
A part-time job gave her a sense of financial independence.
- 3.
The court values its independence from political pressure.
Easily Confused
independence vs freedom — Independence is structural: not being controlled or supported by another (a country's independence). Freedom is about the absence of restraint or the ability to act (freedom of speech). A colony seeks independence; a prisoner seeks freedom.