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autonomy

aw-TON-uh-mee /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/

nounC1GRESATGMATTOEFLIELTSUPSC

academicprofessionalphilosophical

The right or condition of self-government; independence and freedom to make one's own decisions.

Refers to the structural or psychological freedom to operate without constant external supervision. It is not absolute lawlessness, but rather the power to govern oneself by one's own rational rules.

The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, city-states fought fiercely for 'autonomia'—the right to live by their own ('autos') laws ('nomos'), rather than having laws dictated to them by an invading empire like Persia or a rival power like Sparta.

Word relationships

sovereignty: 'Sovereignty' usually refers to supreme, absolute political power of a nation-state, while 'autonomy' can apply to individuals, departments, or regions within a state.
independence: 'Independence' implies complete separation from others, while 'autonomy' often exists within a larger, cooperative framework.

dependence: 'Dependence' is the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
subjugation: 'Subjugation' is the act of bringing someone under complete, forced control.

Commonly confused with

automation: 'Automation' refers to machines operating automatically without human intervention, while 'autonomy' refers to the freedom of choice and self-governance of humans or entities.

Word family

autonomous (adjective): Having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.

Collocations

personal autonomy
regional autonomy
grant autonomy
greater autonomy

Example sentences

"Psychologists have found that giving employees more autonomy over their work schedules significantly increases job satisfaction." A study on workplace motivation.

Memory hook

Think of an 'auto' (self-driving car) that makes its own decisions on the road without you steering. It has 'auto-nomy'. Self-ruling like a self-driving car.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'anarchy' (which is a complete lack of rules or government) or 'isolation' (which is being physically cut off).

Fun facts

The Greek root 'nomos' (law/management) also appears in 'astronomy' (the laws of the stars) and 'economy' (household management).