1The state of supporting oneself and acting without relying on others — often refers to becoming financially or emotionally self-sufficient.
兄は大学卒業と同時にアパートを借りて独立した。
My older brother moved into his own apartment and became independent as soon as he graduated from college.
彼女は親からの仕送りに頼らず独立した生活を送っている。
She lives independently, without relying on money sent from her parents.
いつか会社を辞めて独立したいと思っている。
I hope to quit my company someday and go independent, working for myself.
子育ての目標は、子どもが独立できる大人になることだ。
The goal of parenting is to raise children into adults who can stand on their own.
2A nation or territory becoming free from another country's rule and gaining the right to govern itself.
その国は1960年に宗主国から独立した。
That country gained independence from its colonial ruler in 1960.
独立記念日には各地でパレードが行われる。
Parades are held all over the country on Independence Day.
その地域は独立を求めて長年運動を続けてきた。
That region has continued its movement for independence for many years.
3Being separated or set apart from other things and existing or functioning on its own; also used when part of an organization splits off from the whole.
その研究チームは大学から独立して民間の研究所になった。
That research team split off from the university and became a private research institute.
このプログラムの各機能は独立して動くように設計されている。
Each function of this program is designed to operate independently.