How Do You Spell Independent?

  • Eseandre Mordi

  • 19 Feb 2024

Understanding the correct spelling of commonly mispelled words can significantly improve your written communication. This article focuses on the word "independent", its correct spelling, common mistakes, and its usage in sentences to ensure you are armed with the knowledge to use it correctly.

Correct Spelling of Independent

The correct spelling of the word is independent. This adjective is frequently used to describe someone or something that is free from external control or support. It's imperative to spell it correctly to maintain the integrity of your writing.

How can remember the correct spelling

To remember the spelling of independent, consider breaking it down into parts: in-depend-ent. Another technique is to remember the phrase "I Need DEPENDable ENTertainment", stressing the core part "DEPEND" which is pivotal to its spelling.

Common spelling mistakes

  • independant - The confusion often arises from the pronunciation, but the correct spelling ends with -ent.
  • indipendent - This is a common phonetic mistake but incorrect according to English spelling rules.

These incorrect spellings stem from misinterpreting the word's phonetics or transferring the spelling conventions of other languages into English.

Definition and etymology of Independent

The word independent is used to describe someone or something not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself. It originates in the mid-15th century from Medieval Latin independens, from in- "not" + dependere "to depend". It reflects the concept of not being reliant on something else.

Transcription of Independent

The phonetic transcription of “independent” is /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/. This highlights the stress on the third syllable, which is crucial for correct pronunciation. Understanding the transcription can help in remembering the spelling through phonetics.

Examples of using of Independent

  • She has always been fiercely independent.
  • The country declared its independence in 1945.
  • He chose to pursue a more independent course of study.

These examples show the versatile use of the word in different contexts, emphasizing its importance in the English language.

FAQ

What does the word mean? 
It describes someone or something free from external control or support.

Words Closely Related: autonomy, sovereignty, liberty.

Synonyms: self-sufficient, self-reliant, free.

There is no difference in spelling or usage of the word "independent" between American and British English. Both varieties of English spell and use the word in the same way, making it a universally recognized term.

In which academic dictionaries you can find this word

  1. Oxford English Dictionary.
  2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary.


#Grammar #Spelling #EnglishLanguage #Writing #Independent

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