Independence

The ability to make choices and manage life without unnecessary control or support.

Reach for it when celebrating self-direction while leaving room for chosen help and connection

The adapted kitchen gave Tomas greater independence at home.

• everyday

  freedom

  release from restriction is the broad point

  not when Freedom covers many liberties beyond independent control.

• warm

  self-reliance

  confidence in handling practical needs deserves praise

  not when Self-reliance may wrongly suggest that accepting help is a weakness.

• professional

  agency

  the power to choose and affect outcomes matters most

  not when Agency can be exercised with extensive support, unlike full independence.

• professional

  autonomy

  authority to make one's own decisions is central

  not when Autonomy can exist within mutual dependence and does not imply self-sufficiency.

Freedom of a country or institution to govern itself.

Reach for it when naming political or organizational self-rule

The museum marked the fiftieth year of the island's independence.

• everyday

  self-rule

  a community governs itself in plain language

  not when Self-rule describes political control, not everyday personal independence.

• formal

  sovereignty

  a state holds final governing authority

  not when Sovereignty is political and too grand for personal capability.

• literary

  liberty

  elevated language should stress release from domination

  not when Liberty can concern rights without practical capacity to act independently.

• dependence
• subjection
• control

• financial independence

  A stable apprenticeship put financial independence within her reach.

• gain independence

  Reliable transport helped older residents gain independence without isolation.

• declare independence

  The territory voted to declare independence after months of negotiation.