independence English · revision 4388

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1640}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dəns/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[independent]] with [[-ence]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) on the pattern of pairs such as competent and competence,^(MWU 2024) and partly after French indépendance.^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The condition of not depending on others, self-support and self-government: 1640 in the OED and Merriam-Webster,^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) the 1630s in Etymonline.^(Etymonline) ''Independency'' had the same sense earlier, from the 1610s.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A competency, an income sufficient to live on without working, is from 1815.^(OED 1989) The American ''Independence Day'', July 4, commemorating the Declaration of 1776, is so named by 1791.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Old English had selfdom for the idea.^(Etymonline) In Scotland the Independence set were the Independents, or Congregationalists.^(Wright 1898)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1610s – ''independency''.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1640 – independence.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1791 – ''Independence Day''.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1815 – a competency.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The state or quality of being [[independent]], especially of a country's self-government.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Freedom from the control or support of others.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # ''(archaic)'' An income sufficient to live on; a competence.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[independency]]

+ * [[linear independence]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[independent]]

+ * [[dependence]]

+ * [[depend]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}