'independent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'independens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'dependens' meant 'hanging down or relying.'

'independens' transformed into the French word 'indépendant,' and eventually became the modern English word 'independent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not relying on others,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.