independence
UK[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns]US[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns]
n
The state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others; self-government.
n
The ability to live your life without needing help from other people.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
depend
ence
in
not
depend
rely
ence
state of
Etymology
The word "independence" is a compound formed within English in the 17th century. It combines the negative prefix "in-" with the noun "dependence," which itself derives from the Latin verb dependēre ("to hang down from"). The core Latin root is pendēre, meaning "to hang," a concept extended metaphorically to signify reliance or being contingent upon something. Therefore, the literal morphemic logic translates to "the state of not hanging from (or relying on) another," which evolved into the modern abstract meanings of self-sufficiency and political autonomy.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + depend (rely) + ence (state of)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- depend: From Latin dependēre, meaning "to hang from" or "to rely on".
- ence: Latin suffix -entia, forming nouns indicating a state or condition.
Examples
The country fought for and won its independence in 1960.
Financial independence is an important goal for many young adults.
She values her independence and prefers to live alone.