independent
Definition
Independent means not relying on or affected by something else.
For example, a tree is independent because it can grow and survive on its own. It doesn't need anything else to help it grow.
A dependent variable is something that changes in response to something else. For example, the height of a plant is a dependent variable because it changes in response to the amount of sunlight it receives.
How can the word be used?
The independent study allowed the student to research a topic of her choice.
Different forms of the word
Adjective: Independent means not depending on or controlled by others.
Noun: An independent is someone who is not part of a group or organisation.
Verb: To make independent is to make someone or something not depend on or controlled by others.
Etymology
The word "independent" comes from the Latin word "independens", which means "not depending on".
The word "independens" is made up of the following parts:
"in" means "not".
"de" means "from".
"pendere" means "to hang".
So, the word "independens" literally means "not hanging from". This is a very accurate description of the meaning of the word "independent", as it refers to something that is not dependent on others.
Question
What does independent mean?