Independence Meaning
/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dəns/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality or state of being independent; lack of dependence; the state of not being reliant on, or controlled by, others.
nounThe state of having sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood.
Sentence Examples
Our people thirst for independence.
The colony declared independence and became a republic.
Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The country celebrated its ____ from colonial rule after a long war.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The small island nation celebrated its 50th year of ____ from colonial rule last summer.
Word Origin & History
From French indépendance. Analyzable as in- + de- + pend + -ence or in- + dependence.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bob the aforesaid, and his present chances of deriving a competent independence from the honourable profession to which he had devoted himself."
— 1836 March – 1837 October, Charles Dickens, “Relates How Mr. Pickwick, with the Assistance of Samuel Weller, Essayed to Soften the Heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to Mollify the Wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer”, in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1837, →OCLC, page 508:
"[…] I had achieved my own living, preserved my independence, and become indebted to no one."
— 1851, George Borrow, chapter XXXI, in Lavengro; the Scholar—the Gypsy—the Priest. […], volume II, London: John Murray […], →OCLC, pages 271–272:
"And this year, some of the granite facades have a new addition - the blue and yellow of the flag of Ukraine. It's hardly surprising to see the Scots, a nation more attuned to independence than some, showing solidarity with a country brutally invaded by Russia."
— 2022 November 30, Paul Bigland, “Destination Oban: a Sunday in Scotland”, in RAIL, number 971, page 75:
"I was in Kansas City on November 6; it was the day before election, and as usual I planned to cast my ballot in Independence."
— 1956, Harry S. Truman, chapter 24, in Memoirs of Harry S. Truman: Years of Trial And Hope, volume II, Doubleday & Company, →OCLC, pages 373–374:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The country celebrated its ____ from colonial rule after a long war.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The small island nation celebrated its 50th year of ____ from colonial rule last summer.