What is independent? Pronunciation and usage in English

independent means . Learn how to pronounce and use independent through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of independent

independentadjective

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of independent

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "independent" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • in - de
  • pen - dent
  • ent

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • in: Pronounced like the word "in" – /ɪn/ (short "i" sound)
  • de: Pronounced like "deh" – /dɪ/ (short "i" sound, quick)
  • pen: Pronounced like "pen" – /pɛn/ (like the writing tool)
  • dent: Pronounced like "dent" – /dɛnt/ (rhymes with “sent”)
  • ent: Pronounced like "ent" - /ənt/ (a short, unstressed “uh” sound followed by “nt”)

3. Combining It All:

Putting it together, it sounds something like:

in-deh-pen-dent-ent

4. Emphasis:

The primary stress (emphasis) is on the third syllable: "pen" - dent.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Don't say "in-de-pen-dent." This is a common mistake. Separating the syllables incorrectly makes it sound awkward.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "independent" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/%25independent/) – This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce independent" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To summarize,efortlessly: "in-deh-pen-dent-ent"

Would you like me to:

  • Slow down the pronunciation to help you hear the differences?
  • Provide a phonetic transcription (using a system like IPA)?

Usage and examples with the word independent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "independent" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context.

1. Meaning 1: Not Dependent on Others

  • Core Definition: This is the most common meaning. It describes someone or something that doesn't rely on others for support, help, or direction. It suggests self-sufficiency.

  • Examples:

    • "She’s an independent woman who doesn't need a husband to provide for her." (She's self-sufficient.)
    • "The independent artist created her own designs." (She didn't rely on someone else to do it.)
    • "The company decided to go independent after being acquired." (They chose to operate without being controlled by another company.)
    • "He’s an independent learner – he enjoys figuring things out on his own." (He doesn't need to be told how to learn.)

2. Meaning 2: Relating to a Government or Country

  • Core Definition: This refers to a country that isn’t controlled by another nation or organization. It’s often used in political contexts.

  • Examples:

    • “The newly independent nation struggled to establish its own government.” (The country was just formed and didn't belong to any other country before.)
    • “The UK was once independent but joined the European Union.” (It had independence before.)
    • “The region sought independence from the larger state.” (They wanted to become a separate country.)

3. Meaning 3: (Adjective describing a study or research)

  • Core Definition: This describes a study or research that wasn’t influenced by the researchers or the subjects. It aims for objectivity.

  • Examples:

    • “The independent study showed a clear correlation between exercise and mental health.” (The researchers didn’t influence the results.)
    • “We need to commission an independent audit of the company's finances.” (An outside auditor is needed to provide an unbiased assessment.)

4. Used as an Adjective Describing a Film or Book (Often with "Film" or "Documentary")

  • Core Definition: In this context, it means that the filmmaker or author had creative control and wasn’t dictated to by a studio or production company. It suggests artistic freedom.

  • Example: “It’s an independent film with a very unique style.” (It wasn’t produced by a big studio.)

    • “This is an independent documentary that gives a voice to marginalized communities.” (The filmmaker had control over the content.)

Key Phrases and How to Use Them:

  • Independent thinking: Being able to think for yourself and form your own opinions.
  • Independent contractor: Someone who works for themselves and isn’t an employee.
  • Independent retailer: A small business owner who doesn’t work for a large chain.
  • Independent of: “The decision is independent of the current economic climate.” (Not influenced by)

Tips for Using "Independent":

  • Consider the context: Pay close attention to the sentence and surrounding text to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Think about words that could be used instead, such as: self-sufficient, autonomous, free, unbiased, original.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., personal essay, academic paper, business report, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use the word "independent"?

Synonyms for the word independent

Practice with vocabulary independent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup aims to become entirely ___________ in its energy production within five years, relying solely on renewable sources.
  2. Although he has a strong team, he is quite ___________ on his senior colleagues for guidance on complex legal matters.
  3. As a freelance consultant, she values the ability to work ___________ on challenging projects without direct managerial oversight.
  4. Each participant was asked to contribute their ___________ perspective to the group discussion, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a nation that governs itself and is not subject to external control? A) subordinate B) sovereign C) dependent D) autonomous E) independent

  2. After years of diligent saving and smart investments, she felt financially ___________ and no longer relied on her family for support. A) affluent B) indebted C) self-sufficient D) independent E) impoverished

  3. An ___________ evaluation of the project's success is crucial to ensure that any biases are eliminated. A) impartial B) prejudiced C) objective D) independent E) subjective

  4. The reclusive scientist preferred to conduct his research in a ___________ laboratory, far from the bustling city. A) communal B) isolated C) bustling D) solitary E) crowded

  5. The local council was granted ___________ authority to manage the region's urban development without interference from the central government. A) subjugated B) subservient C) autonomous D) dependent E) sovereign

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Children should be encouraged to make their own choices as they grow. Rewrite using "independent":

  2. The financial audit was carried out by an external firm, not connected to the company. Rewrite using "independent" or a related word form:

  3. The new software can operate without needing any human intervention once configured. Rewrite without using "independent" but using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup aims to become entirely independent in its energy production within five years, relying solely on renewable sources.
  2. Although he has a strong team, he is quite reliant on his senior colleagues for guidance on complex legal matters.
  3. As a freelance consultant, she values the ability to work independently on challenging projects without direct managerial oversight.
  4. Each participant was asked to contribute their individual perspective to the group discussion, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) sovereign, D) autonomous, E) independent
  2. C) self-sufficient, D) independent
  3. A) impartial, C) objective, D) independent
  4. B) isolated, D) solitary
  5. C) autonomous, E) sovereign

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Children should be encouraged to make independent choices as they grow.
  2. The financial audit was conducted independently by an external firm.
  3. Once configured, the new software can operate automatically without needing any human intervention.

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