independent

Etymology

From French indépendant.

adj

1. Not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free.
   Niinisto pointed out that he had already told Putin at their first meeting in 2012 that “each independent nation would maximize its own security.” “That is still the case. By joining NATO, Finland will strengthen its own security and assume its responsibilities. It is not something away from anybody,” Niinisto said. May 14, 2022, Jari Tanner, “Putin warns Finland NATO membership would harm relations”, in AP News, archived from the original on 2022-05-14
2. (politics) Not affiliated with any political party.
   the independent candidate
3. Providing a comfortable livelihood.
   an independent property
4. Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.
   a man of an independent mind
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. 1795, Robert Plumer Ward, An Enquiry into the Foundation and History of the Law of Nations in Europe from the Time of the Greeks and Romans to the Age of Grotius

noun

1. A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a freethinker, free of a party platform.
2. A neutral or uncommitted person.
3. A small, privately owned business.
   It’s a great hub for shopping: the high street is pedestrianised and many of the town’s 600-odd listed buildings house fabulous independents – speciality food stores, cafes, antique shops, clothing boutiques. 2022-11-25, Sarah Baxter et al., “Britain's 15 best high streets – where Christmas shopping is a pleasure”, in The Telegraph
4. (sports) A team not affiliated with any league or conference.