stand-alone
/ˈstænd ələʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstænd ələʊn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstand-ə-ˈlōn/ (ame, mw)
stand-alone — adjective
1. describing something that can function or exist by itself, without needing suppo
describing something that can function or exist by itself, without needing support or connection from another system, device, or organization.
The small generator is a stand-alone unit that provides power to the cabin.
stand-alone unit — an independent piece of equipment
Each sensor operates as a stand-alone device and does not need a central controller.
stand-alone device — independent functioning
Amara bought a stand-alone air purifier instead of one built into the ventilation system.
Unlike the other machines on the factory floor, this drill is a stand-alone piece of equipment.
- independent
broader in meaning; stand-alone emphasises physical or functional separateness
- self-contained
suggests that all needed parts are built into the unit itself
- autonomous
more formal; often used for systems that make their own decisions
- integrated
built into a larger system rather than separate
- networked
connected to other devices or systems
文法句型
stand-alone + noun
用法筆記
Frequently appears before a noun (attributive position) — a stand-alone system, a stand-alone device. The hyphen is typically included when used as an adjective before the noun.
常見錯誤
2. referring to a computer that performs all its tasks locally, without being linke
referring to a computer that performs all its tasks locally, without being linked to a network or depending on a server for data or processing.
The library keeps one stand-alone computer for catalog searches so patrons can work offline.
stand-alone computer — works without a network
During the internet outage, the stand-alone machines in the lab continued functioning normally.
Toshiro prefers a stand-alone laptop for writing because he finds online distractions too tempting.
The factory uses stand-alone terminals that store production data locally rather than on a central server.
- offline computer
emphasises the lack of network connection rather than independence
- local machine
emphasises running programs on the computer itself rather than accessing them remotely
- networked computer
a machine that relies on a server or other computers
- terminal
a device that depends on a central server for processing
文法句型
stand-alone + computer / machine
用法筆記
Common in tech-support and IT documentation. The opposite is a networked computer or a workstation that depends on a server. In modern use, a stand-alone computer may still connect to the internet occasionally but does not require a network for its core tasks.
常見錯誤
3. describing a piece of electronic equipment that works as an individual unit on i
describing a piece of electronic equipment that works as an individual unit on its own, rather than being built into a larger product that does several things.
Elena bought a stand-alone scanner because the all-in-one printer in the office kept breaking down.
stand-alone scanner — a separate device, not combined
The sound system in the gym is a stand-alone amplifier with its own speakers attached.
Kwame installed a stand-alone carbon monoxide detector instead of using one built into the smoke alarm.
Unlike a smartphone that combines a camera, phone, and computer, this GPS unit is a stand-alone device designed for hiking.
- separate device
more general; lacks the implication of self-sufficiency
- dedicated device
emphasises that the device performs one specific function
- built-in
contained within another device
- integrated
combined into a single unit with other functions
文法句型
stand-alone + device / equipment
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (INDEPENDENT OPERATION): this sense focuses on physical separation — the device is not built into a larger product. A stand-alone scanner sits on a desk as its own box; a combined printer-scanner has the scanner built into the printer body.
常見錯誤
4. describing software or an application that runs entirely on a local device, with
describing software or an application that runs entirely on a local device, without needing an internet connection or assistance from other computer processes to function.
The photo editor is a stand-alone application that works even when you are not connected to Wi-Fi.
stand-alone application — runs without internet
Ananya installed a stand-alone dictionary on her phone so she could look up words during flights.
Unlike cloud-based tools that save files online, this stand-alone word processor saves everything to the hard drive.
The spreadsheet program works as a stand-alone piece of software and does not call any external servers.
- offline application
emphasises that no internet is needed
- local software
emphasises that the software runs on the user's own device
- native app
emphasises that the app is installed on the device rather than accessed through a browser
- cloud-based
runs on remote servers and requires internet
- web application
accessed through a browser and depends on internet
文法句型
stand-alone + application / software / program
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to software contexts. A stand-alone application may still check for updates online, but its primary functions do not depend on a network connection. The opposite is web-based software or cloud software, which requires a browser and internet access.
常見錯誤
5. describing a company, department, or organisation that runs its own operations a
describing a company, department, or organisation that runs its own operations and is not controlled by a larger corporate group or chain.
The clinic started as a stand-alone practice but later joined a hospital network.
stand-alone practice — an independent business
Despite being owned by a large publisher, the children's book division remains a stand-alone unit with its own budget.
Fatima prefers a stand-alone coffee shop to a chain because she can make her own decisions.
The small gallery operates as a stand-alone organisation and receives no funding from the city council.
- independent
broader; can apply to any organisation, not just business units
- autonomous
more formal; emphasises self-governance in decision-making
- freestanding
often used for physical branches or stores that are separate from others
- chain
one of many outlets under a central brand
- subsidiary
controlled by a parent company
文法句型
stand-alone + business / company / division
用法筆記
Common in business journalism and corporate reports. A stand-alone division may still share a parent company's name but runs its own operations and budget. The term contrasts with subsidiary (legally owned by a parent) or franchise (operates under a brand's rules).
常見錯誤
6. describing a book, film, article, or other creative work that functions as a com
describing a book, film, article, or other creative work that functions as a complete piece on its own, with no need to refer to earlier works in a series or set.
The novel works as a stand-alone story, so you do not need to read the earlier books.
stand-alone story — no need to read others first
Each episode of the documentary is a stand-alone film that covers a different historical event.
Javier wrote a stand-alone article about climate change that was published separately from the magazine's regular series.
Unlike the trilogy, these four books are stand-alone novels set in the same world.
The guidebook is a stand-alone volume that travellers can use without the companion map.
- self-contained
suggests the work has everything needed within it, with no dangling threads
- independent
more general; lacks the specific publishing/entertainment context
文法句型
stand-alone + book / film / episode / article
用法筆記
Most common in publishing, film criticism, and academic citations. A stand-alone work is complete in itself — there is no cliffhanger requiring a sequel, and no prior knowledge is assumed. Distinguish from sense 1 (INDEPENDENT OPERATION) which applies to physical systems, not creative works.