Independence vs. Independent — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 17, 2024
Independence refers to the state of being self-governing and free from external control, while independent describes someone or something not influenced or controlled by others.
Difference Between Independence and Independent
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Independence signifies a condition or status where an entity, be it a nation, community, or individual, enjoys autonomy and the freedom to govern itself without external interference. It encompasses political, financial, or social self-sufficiency. On the other hand, independent is an adjective that characterizes a person, group, or entity that acts without the need for support or influence from others. It often implies self-reliance in thoughts, actions, or decisions.
While independence is often used in a broader, more abstract sense to describe the collective autonomy of groups or countries, independent can describe specific qualities of individuals, businesses, or items, highlighting their capacity to operate or exist without dependence. For example, an independent bookstore operates on its own, distinct from larger chains.
Independence can be celebrated as a historical event or status achieved by nations, such as Independence Day in various countries, marking the moment they gained sovereignty. In contrast, being independent is a trait admired in individuals and organizations, signifying strength, self-sufficiency, and the ability to stand alone.
The pursuit of independence is a fundamental drive for collective entities like nations or communities striving for self-determination and control over their affairs. Meanwhile, cultivating an independent spirit is often encouraged in people to foster self-reliance, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Independence and being independent both underscore the value of freedom and self-direction, but they operate at different scales and contexts. Independence is monumental and collective; being independent is personal and individualistic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The state or quality of being free from control.
Not influenced or controlled by others.
Scale
Often applies to nations, territories, or groups.
Primarily describes individuals or entities.
Emphasis
Collective autonomy and sovereignty.
Personal self-reliance and autonomy.
Usage Context
Political, historical, and social discussions.
Describing qualities or characteristics.
Examples
Independence Day celebrations.
An independent thinker or an independent artist.
Compare with Definitions
Independence
Freedom from control or influence of another or others.
The country celebrated its independence from colonial rule.
Independent
Free from external control or influence.
She has always been an independent thinker.
Independence
The state of having self-government.
The colony's struggle for independence was long and arduous.
Independent
Not depending on another's authority.
The independent study course allows students to explore topics of personal interest.
Independence
Non-reliance in terms of opinion or action.
The judge's independence from political pressures ensures a fair trial.
Independent
Capable of thinking or acting for oneself.
Independent voters could sway the election outcome.
Independence
Self-sufficiency or not depending on others for financial or material needs.
Achieving financial independence is a common goal for many.
Independent
Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence.
Becoming financially independent was his primary goal after college.
Independence
Independence is a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the status of a dependent territory.
Independent
Not connected with another or others; separate.
The independent film festival showcases films from around the world.
Independence
The fact or state of being independent
I've always valued my independence
Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816
Independent
Not governed by a foreign power; self-governing.
Independence
The state or quality of being independent.
Independent
Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant
An independent mind.
Independence
(Archaic) Sufficient income for comfortable self-support; a competence.
Independent
Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent
A decision independent of the outcome of the study.
Independence
The quality or state of being independent; lack of dependence; the state of not being reliant on, or controlled by, others.
Independent
Often Independent Affiliated with or loyal to no one political party or organization.
Independence
The state of having sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood.
Independent
Not dependent on or affiliated with a larger or controlling entity
An independent food store.
An independent film.
Independence
The state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by, others; self-subsistence or maintenance; direction of one's own affairs without interference.
Let fortune do her worst, . . . as long as she never makes us lose our honesty and our independence.
Independent
Not relying on others for support, care, or funds; self-supporting.
Independence
Sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood.
Independent
Providing or being sufficient income to enable one to live without working
A person of independent means.
Independence
Freedom from control or influence of another or others
Independent
Not dependent on other variables.
Independence
The successful ending of the American Revolution;
They maintained close relations with England even after independence
Independent
Of or relating to a system of equations no one of which can be derived from another equation in the system.
Independence
A city in western Missouri; the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail
Independent
Independent Of or relating to the 17th-century English Independents.
Independent
Often Independent One that is independent, especially a voter, officeholder, or political candidate who is not committed to a political party.
Independent
Independent A member of a movement in England in the 17th century advocating the political and religious independence of individual congregations.
Independent
Independent Chiefly British A Congregationalist.
Independent
Not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free.
Independent
(politics) Not affiliated with any political party.
The independent candidate
Independent
Providing a comfortable livelihood.
An independent property
Independent
Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.
A man of an independent mind
Independent
Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.
Independent
A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a freethinker, free of a party platform.
Independent
A neutral or uncommitted person.
Independent
(sports) A team not affiliated with any league or conference.
Independent
Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent.
A dry, but independent crust.
Independent
Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.
Independent
Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.
Independent
Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.
Independent
Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.
That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement.
Independent
Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.
Independent
Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; - said of quantities or functions.
Independent
Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party.
Independent
One who believes that an organized Christian church is complete in itself, competent to self-government, and independent of all ecclesiastical authority.
Independent
One who does not acknowledge an obligation to support a party's candidate under all circumstances; one who exercises liberty in voting.
Independent
A neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)
Independent
A writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
Independent
Free from external control and constraint;
An independent mind
A series of independent judgments
Fiercely independent individualism
An independent republic
Independent
Not dependent on or conditioned by or relative to anything else
Independent
Of political bodies;
An autonomous judiciary
A sovereign state
Independent
Not contingent
Independent
Of a clause; able to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence;
The main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb
Independent
Not controlled by a party or interest group
Common Curiosities
What is independence?
Independence is the state of being self-governing, free from external control or influence.
Is independence always a positive state to be in?
While independence is generally viewed positively, it also comes with responsibilities and challenges requiring self-sufficiency.
What role does independence play in a healthy relationship?
In a healthy relationship, independence allows individuals to maintain their identity, make personal choices, and contribute to the relationship as equals.
Are there any disadvantages to being too independent?
Being too independent can lead to isolation, difficulty in accepting help from others, and challenges in forming close relationships.
Can a person be independent without being in a state of independence?
Yes, a person can be independent by being self-reliant and making decisions independently, even if they are part of a larger dependent group.
Why is financial independence important?
Financial independence is important as it allows individuals to make life choices without constraints imposed by financial dependency.
What is the significance of independence movements?
Independence movements are significant for advocating the sovereignty and self-determination of people under colonial rule or foreign domination.
How does one celebrate personal independence?
Personal independence can be celebrated through achieving milestones like financial independence, living alone, or making autonomous life choices.
What does it mean to be independent?
Being independent means not being influenced or controlled by others, showing self-reliance.
How do countries celebrate their independence?
Countries celebrate their independence through national holidays, parades, and various ceremonial events commemorating their freedom.
How can one become more independent?
One can become more independent by developing self-reliance, learning new skills, making decisions independently, and seeking personal growth.
Can a company be considered independent?
Yes, a company can be considered independent if it operates on its own without control from outside entities or affiliations.
What is an independent variable in research?
An independent variable in research is the variable that is changed or controlled to test its effects on the dependent variable.
How do independent artists differ from those signed with labels?
Independent artists manage their careers without the support of major record labels, often giving them more creative freedom but also more responsibilities.
How does independence differ from freedom?
Independence often refers to a collective state of autonomy, while freedom is more individualistic, referring to the absence of constraints on actions and decisions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Concentricity vs. Eccentricity
Next Comparison
Homospory vs. HeterosporyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
