nepriklausomas

Nepriklausomas is a Lithuanian adjective meaning independent or not under external control or affiliation. It is used to describe people, organizations, institutions, or processes that operate without external influence, ownership, or directive from another entity. The term is commonly found in political, media, business, and research contexts, where independence from government, corporate, or partisan control is noted as a quality or condition.

Etymology and form: the word is formed with the prefix ne- added to priklausomas, which derives from priklausyti “to belong.” The resulting nepriklausomas conveys the sense of being free from dependence. Like other Lithuanian adjectives, nepriklausomas inflects for gender, number, and case to agree with the noun it modifies. Typical examples include masculine singular nepriklausomas laikraštis (independent newspaper) and feminine singular nepriklausoma organizacija (independent organization). Plural and other inflected forms follow standard adjective agreement patterns, for instance nepriklausomi ekspertai (independent experts) or nepriklausomos žiniasklaidos platformos (independent media platforms).

Usage notes: nepriklausomas often implies autonomy from political or economic patrons, but its exact nuance can vary by context. In media and research, it is frequently contrasted with state-controlled, government-affiliated, or corporate-funded sources. The term is widely understood across Lithuanian-speaking audiences and is a common descriptor in formal and public discourse.

See also: independence, autonomous, impartial, free press.