- 1 independence (from somebody/something) (of a country) freedom from political control by other countries Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegreat, fierce, complete, … … of independencedegree, measure verb + independencehave, lack, enjoy, … independence + verbcome independence + nounday, celebrations, movement, … prepositionat independence , independence from, independence of, … phrasesa call for independence, a declaration of independence, a lack of independence, … See full entry
- 2 the time when a country gains freedom from political control by another country independence celebrations the first elections since independence Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegreat, fierce, complete, … … of independencedegree, measure verb + independencehave, lack, enjoy, … independence + verbcome independence + nounday, celebrations, movement, … prepositionat independence , independence from, independence of, … phrasesa call for independence, a declaration of independence, a lack of independence, … See full entry
- 3 the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people He values his independence. a woman’s financial independence opposite dependence Wordfinderfreedomallow, emancipation, freedom, imprisonment, independence, liberty, oppress, restriction, rule, slave Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegreat, fierce, complete, … … of independencedegree, measure verb + independencehave, lack, enjoy, … independence + verbcome independence + nounday, celebrations, movement, … prepositionat independence , independence from, independence of, … phrasesa call for independence, a declaration of independence, a lack of independence, … See full entry Word Originmid 17th cent.: from independent, partly on the pattern of French indépendance.Extra examples Aquitaine’s de facto independence from the king of France Conflicts of interest might compromise the auditor’s independence. Doing work experience gave me a sense of independence. Economic aid tends to undermine the national independence of Third-World countries. Edward III tried to assert his independence of the regime at court. I didn’t appreciate my new-found independence, but instead felt lonely. I value my independence too much to get married. Independence came to the British colonial territories in Africa in the late fifties and early sixties. Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821. Namibia became a full member of the UN at independence. Parents should encourage independence in their children. She displayed independence in choosing a career different from that of her parents. She displayed independence of judgement in choosing a career quite different from that of her parents. She doesn’t want to lose her hard-won independence. She had a fierce independence of spirit. The army is committed to ensuring the independence of the country. The car became a symbol of independence. The council’s relative independence of the government means it can negotiate its own agreements. The drama is set in India at the time of independence. They have agreed to recognize the breakaway republic’s independence. Young people have more independence these days. a colonial crisis which brought about independence a holiday celebrating the independence of Nigeria from colonial rule his party’s call for Scottish independence independence of mind the American War of Independence the need to bring independence to the country the operational independence of the Bank of England An overwhelming majority voted in favour of independence for the region. Her work gave her a degree of financial independence. Malaysia celebrates its independence day on 31st August. Some people have questioned the independence of the inspectors. The party have dominated since independence in 1980. The proposals are seen as a potential threat to judicial independence. The tiny republic has taken another step towards independence. There has been international recognition for the island’s declaration of independence. They were both supporters of the independence movement.
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