If one thing or person is independent of another, they are separate and not connected, so the first one is not affected or influenced by the second.

If someone is independent, they do not need help or money from anyone else.

Independent countries and states are not ruled by other countries but have their own government.

An independent organization or other body is one that controls its own finances and operations, rather than being controlled by someone else.

An independent school does not receive money from the government or local council, but from the fees paid by its students' parents or from charities.

An independent inquiry or opinion is one that involves people who are not connected with a particular situation, and should therefore be fair.

An independent politician is one who does not represent any political party.