pro-independence

The term is a modern English compound, formed by directly combining the Latin-derived prefix 'pro-' with the established English noun 'independence'. The prefix 'pro-', originating from the Latin preposition and prefix 'prō' meaning "forward, for, in front of", has been productively used in English since the 15th century to form adjectives and nouns denoting support or advocacy for a cause, such as in 'pro-democracy' or 'pro-government'. The noun 'independence' entered English in the 17th century, built from the negative prefix 'in-' and 'dependence', which traces back to Latin 'dependēre' (to hang from). Thus, 'pro-independence' logically constructs its meaning as "in favor of the state of not hanging from (i.e., not relying on) another governing authority", perfectly capturing its political advocacy sense.

Structure: pro (in favor of) + independence (state of being self-governing) - pro: From Latin 'pro', meaning "for, on behalf of, in favor of". Functions as a prefix indicating support or advocacy. - independence: From English 'independence', itself from 'in-' (not) + 'dependence' (state of relying on another). Functions as the core noun denoting the state of self-rule.