WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : In`de*pend"ent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. ind?pendant.]
Definition : 1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. A dry, but independent crust. Cowper.

2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.

3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.

4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.

5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective. That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement. R. P. Ward.

6. (Eccl.)

Defn: Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.

7. (Math.)

Defn: Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions.

8. (U. S. Politics)

Defn: Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party. Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment. -- Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second. -- Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.

Syn. -- Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : In`de*pend"ent
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : 1. (Eccl.)

Defn: One who believes that an organized Christian church is complete in itself, competent to self-government, and independent of all ecclesiastical authority.

Note: In England the name is often applied (commonly in the pl.) to the Congregationalists.

2. (Politics)

Defn: One who does not acknowledge an obligation to support a party's candidate under all circumstances; one who exercises liberty in voting.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913