Difference Between Independent and Dependent

We all know that the English language can be tricky at times. Even the smallest changes in the spelling can result in a very different meaning. We have been discussing the difference in words for quite some time. We sincerely hope you to go through all our articles. You have to ensure that the language you are using is correct.

If you are using faulty language, then it may result in the other person having a negative idea about you. In this article, we will learn about the variance between what does independent and dependent mean. Again, you see that the spelling is deceptively similar, but there is a grave variance in their meaning. So, let us learn what’s the difference between independent and dependent.

What is the Difference Between Independent and Dependent?

We always knew that there are few words that are deceptively similar but have a variance in meaning. Now, let us learn about what is the difference between dependent and independent. To start with, the word dependent means that the entity is reliant on another for administrative and financial support.

This dependency can be either forceful, or one entity may be a subsidiary of the other. The word independent means that an outside force does not control the entity. The entity is not dependent on any external entity for its continuation.

Moving on from the basics, let us comprehend what the difference between independent and dependent with an example is. The terms can be used in various fields; viz. business, market research, etc. In business terms, a dependent entity is one that is a subsidiary of another. A group firm may be working across various industries. Each industry may be a separate entity.

All these entities are collectively dependent on the mother group company. In a market research parlance, the independent adjustable is one that remains unaffected while the dependent variable is one that measures what effect the dependent variable has.

Definition of Independent

Independent is a state of not being influenced or controlled by another factor. It applies to virtually any and everything in existence and can be used in different contexts. When a business is able to operate on its own without the interference of the government in major decision-making processes, then that business is independent of the government.

For entrepreneurs these days, starting a business is the path to personal fulfilment irrespective of the risks and challenges involved. The entrepreneur is free to make her decisions without the interference of bigger organizations or the government.

Another great instance can be observed in the independence of previously colonized areas. In the distant past, numerous colonizers settled in different places far away from their places of origin and gradually displaced the original inhabitants of the settlements using gentle approaches and then force (when their gentle approach did not work).

Today, many colonized areas have gained their freedom from their colonial masters. This means they can run their new countries as they wish. They have absolute control over their political, economic, health, educational, social, and religious functioning and every other sector that makes up the nation.

Definition of Dependent

Dependent is a state of being influenced or controlled by another factor. Comparing independent vs dependent, it is obvious that they are the opposite of one another. For instance, in some countries, regional or local governments are totally dependent or are subordinate to the main government of the particular country, while in others there is a division of power.

Large businesses, in some cases, depend on relatively smaller ones in their operations in order to function efficiently. For instance, in 2018, Ganfeng Lithium Co. made a deal with Tesla to supply one-fifth of their lithium production. This means that Tesla will have to rely on them to supply these materials for as long as the deal holds.

Let us take a look at another instance in the finance sector—the collateral. It is an item of value that can be taken away from a debtor if he or she fails to repay a loan. Without this item of value, a person is less likely to receive a loan from a finance company.

In other words, receiving the loan is dependent upon the collateral. Dependent vs independent, when compared based on their properties, have their benefits and drawbacks.

Independent vs Dependent Comparison Table

We will now go through a chart showing the difference between independent and dependent.

Basis of Comparison	Independent	Dependent
What it means	The entity does not rely on another for its existence	The entity relies on another for its existence
In business parlance	This can mean the group entity that controls multiple smaller objects	These are subsidiaries that are linked to a parent company
In market research parlance	Any variable that the researcher is able to change the value to find out the outcome	The variable that alters its amount to ensure it is in line with the change in the independent variable

Conclusion of the Main Differences Between Independent vs Dependent

While going through the variance between the terms, we have found that both of these can be used in various parlance. We have also gone through what they mean for different parlance. Across multiple usages, the meaning also varies to some extent.

However, we can generally say that an independent entity does not rely on anything else for its sustenance. A dependent body always has to rely on another for its existence and subsistence.

We have strived to ensure we are able to bring you the variance in meaning in very simple language. We sincerely hope that this article will help you. We honestly look forward to your comments.