Independence and freedom form my character.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Do you know the origin of the word “independence“? Have you ever used the word “independence” in any of your article or work? Most probably, you have used it a lot of times. Well, what about its origin? Do you know where and how the word “independence” originated? The dictionary definition of the word is “the state of being able to support” oneself without any help from other people. In other words, it refers to the state of “not depending” on something else or someone else. The word “independence” first appeared in 1600s in the Americas. The adjective form of the word is “independent“. The word independent is synonymous with sovereign, autonomous and free. The Turkish counterpart of the word “independence” as a noun is “bağımsızlık” or “müstakillik (i.e., istiklal)”. Their adjectives are respectively “bağımsız” and “müstakil”. As Atatürk put it in one of his speeches, the quote “Özgürlük ve bağımsızlık benim karakterimdir (Freedom and independence form my character.)” indicates the “independent” character of the nation.
Here are some examples in context:
- The people of Catalonia have always sought “independence“.
- In 1983 the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) finally won its “independence“.
- The United States annexed Texas in 1845 ad lost its “independence“, which it entertained for only nine years.
- Freedom and “independence” form my character. (Mustafa Kemal Atatürk)
- Either “independence” or death! (Mustafa Kemal Atatürk)
- You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and “independence“. (Abraham Lincoln)
- The country finally became and “independent” state in 1993.
- Some African countries have not been able to gain their independence so far.
- Counselors say that independent students become more successful and self-confident in life.