Definition of "independent" []

• Not governed by a foreign power; self-governing. (adjective)
• Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant: an independent mind. (adjective)
• Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent: a decision independent of the outcome of the study. (adjective)
• Affiliated with or loyal to no one political party or organization. (adjective)
• Not dependent on or affiliated with a larger or controlling entity: an independent food store; an independent film. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term 'independent journalist' here usually refers to reporters for a news source other than those owned by the state or political parties, though this does not necessarily mean they are free of outside interests."
• "A Money & Investing article on Wednesday mistakenly used the word independent instead of initial."
• "Canada will remain independent from the United States to the extent it will be able to develop its inner resources in men, in ideas and in ideals."