independent independent /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/

adjective

1. () Free from external control and constraint  ( independent )
   free from external control and constraint
    An independent mind
   an independent mind
    A series of independent judgments
   a series of independent judgments
    Fiercely independent individualism
   fiercely independent individualism
   
2. () (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces  ( autonomous , self-governing , independent , sovereign )
   (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
    An autonomous judiciary
   an autonomous judiciary
    A sovereign state
   a sovereign state
   
3. (of a clause) capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence  ( independent , main )
   (of a clause) capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence
    The main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb
   the main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb
   
4. Not controlled by a party or interest group  ( independent )
   not controlled by a party or interest group
   

noun

1. A writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them  ( free lance , free-lance , freelance , freelancer , independent , self-employed person )
   a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
   
2. A neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)  ( fencesitter , independent , mugwump [ N. American] )
   a neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)