uavhengig

Uavhengig is a Norwegian adjective meaning not dependent on others or not under external influence; able to operate according to its own rules. It is used to describe persons, organizations, or processes that do not rely on outside control and that can function independently.

The term is formed from the prefix u- meaning “not” and avhengig meaning “dependent.” It has cognates in related Scandinavian languages; in Danish the form is uafhængig. In Norwegian, the spelling uavhengig is the standard form with the same basic meaning.

Uavhengig is often contrasted with avhengig (dependent) and is related to concepts such as autonom, selvstendig, or upartisk. The exact nuance can vary by context, and independence does not always imply complete freedom from oversight or influence.

Common contexts include uavhengig forskning (independent research), et uavhengig organ (an independent body), and uavhengighet (independence), as in political or national contexts. The noun form uavhengighet refers to the state or quality of being independent.

Notes on usage: uavhengighet as a noun is widely used to describe political, social, or organizational autonomy, as well as personal self-sufficiency in metaphorical senses. In journalism or governance, the term often carries a connotation of impartiality, but exact meaning depends on surrounding language and context.

See also: avhengig, autonom, uavhengighet.