What is independently? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of independently

independentlyadverb

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)ntli/
Definition & pronunciation of independently

Okay, pronouncing "independently" can be tricky! Here's a breakdown to help you, focusing on the most common and accepted pronunciation in American English:

1. Breakdown of the Word:

  • in- (as in "in" a box) - short "i" sound
  • de- (as in "bed") - short "e" sound
  • pen- (as in "pen") - "en" sound – very short and quick!
  • den- (as in "den") – "den" sound – also very short and quick!
  • tively (this is the tricky part) – rhymes with "relatively" but with a slightly lighter "t"

2. Syllable Breakdown & Pronunciation:

Most people pronounce it something like this:

  • in-de-PEN-den-tively

Let's break it down further:

  • in-: /ɪn/ (like "in" in "in a box")
  • de-: /di/ (like "die")
  • PEN-: /pen/ (like "pen" in "pen") – This syllable is emphasized.
  • den-: /den/ (like "den") – This syllable is also emphasized, and spoken quickly after "pen."
  • tively: /tɪvli/ (think of the word "relatively" and mentally remove the "al" – it’s a soft "t" followed by "i" and "v" and “li”)

3. Tips for Success:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: PEN-.
  • Quick Transition: The "den" syllable happens very quickly after "pen." Don't draw it out.
  • "tively" Sound: Listen to how native speakers pronounce "tively" - it’s not a hard "t" sound like in "top." It's softer almost like a "t" followed by a very quick "i-v-li" sound.
  • Practice: Record yourself saying it and compare it to recordings of native English speakers. You can find many examples on YouTube (search for "how to pronounce independently").

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word independently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "independently" in English. It's a versatile word that essentially means "on one's own" or "without relying on others." Here's a detailed guide with examples:

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • As an adverb: This is the most common usage. It describes how something is done – doing it alone, without help.
    • Example: "The children worked independently on their art projects." (They didn’t help each other.)
    • Example: "She completed the report independently, researching and writing it herself." (She didn't have anyone to assist her.)

2. Key Phrases and Contexts:

  • “Independently of…” / “Independently from…”: This introduces a factor that is separate or distinct from another.

    • Example: "The success of the project is independently of the company's overall performance." (It's not influenced by the company's general situation.)
    • Example: "His opinion was independently from ours." (His opinion formed without being based on what we thought.)
  • “Independently developed…” / “Independently created…”: This indicates something was made or devised without external guidance.

    • Example: “The software was independently developed by a small team.”
    • Example: "The artist independently created this stunning sculpture."
  • “Independently funded…”: Refers to something being supported without needing money from an outside source.

    • Example: “The research was independently funded by a private foundation.”
  • “To think/act independently”: This describes being self-reliant, having one's own thoughts and opinions, and not following others blindly.

    • Example: "It's important for young people to learn to think independently."
    • Example: "She always acts independently and makes her own decisions."

3. Similar Words & When to Use Them:

  • Alone: This is often interchangeable with "independently," but "alone" emphasizes the state of being by oneself.

    • Example: "I worked alone on the project." (Focus is on the activity being done by one person)
    • Example: "She felt alone in the crowd." (Focus is on the feeling of isolation)
  • Self-sufficiently: This implies having enough resources or skills to be completely independent.

    • Example: “He became self-sufficiently after moving to a new country.”
  • Autonomously: Similar to “independently,” but often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe processes or systems operating without external control.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: "Independently" can sound a little formal. Don't use it in every sentence where you mean "alone." Consider if "alone" or a different phrasing would be more natural.

  • Misusing as an adjective: It’s almost never used as an adjective (e.g., "an independent person"). It’s always an adverb.

5. Let's Practice!

Here are some sentences for you to try:

  1. "The students were asked to write their essays ______." (Answer: independently)
  2. "The company operates ______ from government regulations." (Answer: independently)
  3. "He learned to cook ______ after moving to Paris." (Answer: independently)
  4. “She defended her thesis ______.” (Answer: independently)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Create a short exercise for you to practice?
  • Explain how "independently" is used in a specific context (e.g., business, education, psychology)?

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