WordGarden.ioindependently
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəntli/
US
- /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəntli/
Meanings
Adverb
without needing help, permission, or control from others
separately from another person, thing, or process
with statistical or mathematical independence
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny seedling pushing its way up through the soil - it is growing independently, using what it has to reach for the sun. To do something independently means to do it by yourself, without help from other people. A teenager earning money by mowing lawns independently is showing initiative and learning to rely on themselves. Sometimes things happen independently of each other - like two artists making similar work at the same time without knowing about each other's projects. The word often suggests freedom from control or from needing outside help.
The word "independently" describes acting or existing without relying on others for support, control, or assistance. It speaks to self-sufficiency and autonomy. Think of a researcher verifying results independently – they're repeating the experiment themselves to ensure accuracy, not just accepting someone else's findings.
"Independently" can apply to actions: "She learned to play the piano independently, using online tutorials." It can also describe how things relate (or don't) to each other: "The two events occurred independently; one didn't cause the other." In a legal context, it might refer to someone acting as an independent contractor – meaning they aren't employed by a company but work for themselves.
It's important to note that "independently" doesn't necessarily mean better. Sometimes collaboration is key! But it always highlights a sense of self-reliance and freedom from external influence. A strong, independent character in a novel might be someone who makes their own choices, even if those choices are unconventional or difficult. They forge their own path, guided by their own values – acting truly independently.
Examples
- 1
Physical recovery
After his accident, he slowly learned to walk independently again.
- 2
Classroom work
The students worked independently for most of the lesson.
- 3
Editorial review
Each application is reviewed independently by two editors.
- Phrasereviewed independently
each editor checks it separately
- 4
Business ownership
The cafe is independently owned, so it can choose its own menu.
- Phraseindependently owned
not owned by a larger company
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Critical thinking
Good teachers encourage children to think independently.
- 6
Research findings
The two research teams reached the same result independently of each other.
- Phraseindependently of each other
separately, without influencing one another
- 7
Personal wealth
She is independently wealthy, so she only takes projects she enjoys.
- Phraseindependently wealthy
rich because of her own money
See also
Similar
- autonomously
- on one's own
- unaided
Shades of meaning
- self-reliantly
- without supervision
- freely
Contrast
- dependently
- under guidance
Used with (collocations)
- work independently
- live independently
- think independently
- operate independently
Word family
Explore
- autonomy
- self-sufficiency
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- independentlyadverb