independently
UK[ˌɪndɪˈpendəntli]US[ˌɪndɪˈpendəntli]
adv
Without being influenced or controlled by other people or things; on your own.
adv
In a way that is not connected with another or with each other; separately.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
depend
ently
in
not
depend
rely
ently
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'independently' is built upon the core concept of 'depend', which originates from the Latin 'dependere', meaning "to hang down from" (from 'de-' down + 'pendere' to hang). This literal sense of physical suspension evolved metaphorically into the abstract notion of reliance or being contingent upon something. The addition of the Latin negative prefix 'in-' creates 'independent', meaning "not hanging from/not relying on". Finally, the adverbial suffix '-ly' is appended, transforming the adjective into the adverb 'independently', which describes the manner of acting without reliance or external control. The journey from a concrete image of hanging to an abstract principle of self-sufficiency illustrates a common path of semantic evolution in English vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + depend (rely) + ently (adverb suffix)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- depend: Latin origin, from 'dependere', meaning "to hang from, rely on".
- ently: A compound suffix formed from the adjective suffix '-ent' (meaning "being in a state of") and the adverbial suffix '-ly' (meaning "in a manner of").
Examples
The two laboratories conducted the experiments independently to verify the results.
She learned to live independently after moving to a new city.
The chapters can be read independently, as each tells a complete story.