independence

independence — noun

1. the condition of a country or region ruling itself without being controlled by a

1.名詞B2
釋義

the condition of a country or region ruling itself without being controlled by another nation

例句

India gained its independence from British colonial rule in nineteen forty-seven.

collocation: gain independence from [country]

The small island nation declared independence after a peaceful referendum watched by the world.

collocation: declare independence

同義詞
  • sovereignty

    more formal and legalistic; emphasises supreme authority over a territory rather than the process of becoming free

  • self-government

    focuses on the internal ability to rule oneself; often used for regions within a larger state

  • autonomy

    implies self-rule within a larger framework rather than full separation

反義詞
  • colonial rule

    the opposite condition of being governed by a foreign power

  • subjugation

    formal term for being forced under another's control

文法句型

independence + from + [country/governing body]

用法筆記

Frequently paired with a country or region name before the noun (e.g. 'India's independence', 'African independence'). Often capitalised in names of national holidays: Independence Day.

常見錯誤

❌Taiwan independence in 1949
✅Taiwan has never declared independence.
💡'independence' is an uncountable noun; it is not used with 'a' and does not take a year as a direct object.
❌The country made independence from Britain.
✅The country gained independence from Britain.
💡the natural verb partner is 'gain', 'win', 'declare', or 'achieve', not 'make'.

2. the capacity to choose for yourself and manage your own life without having to d

2.名詞B1
釋義

the capacity to choose for yourself and manage your own life without having to depend on others for money, care, or advice

例句

Caleb values his financial independence and refuses to borrow money from anyone.

collocation: financial independence

Shirin moved out of her parents' house at eighteen to gain more independence.

collocation: gain independence

同義詞
  • self-reliance

    emphasises practical ability to handle things alone rather than the state of being free

  • self-sufficiency

    stronger than independence; suggests you need no outside help at all, especially for basic needs

  • autonomy

    formal; emphasises the right to make your own decisions rather than practical self-care

反義詞
  • dependence

    the state of needing others for support, money, or decisions

文法句型

independence + from + [person/institution]

possessive + independence

用法筆記

Often modified by an adjective specifying the type of independence: financial, emotional, personal, economic. Common in contexts of growing up, disability recovery, and leaving home.

常見錯誤

❌She needs independence to her parents.
✅She needs independence from her parents.
💡the correct preposition is 'from', not 'to'.
❌I want an independence.
✅I want independence.
💡as an uncountable noun, 'independence' does not take the article 'a/an'.