'independent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'independens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'dependere' meant 'to hang from.'

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

Initially, it meant 'not hanging from something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'free from outside control.'