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autonomy

aw-TON-uh-mee /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/

nounB2GRESATGMATUPSC

academicformal

The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control or influence; personal independence.

Emphasizes moral and decision-making independence of an individual or self-governing entity.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'autonomia', combining 'autos' (self) and 'nomos' (law). Originally applied to Greek city-states that made their own laws rather than obeying a foreign empire.

Word relationships

self-determination: Self-determination often applies to political communities or personal life paths, while autonomy spans ethical and moral self-governance.

subjection: Subjection means being under another's rule or control, opposite to autonomy.

Commonly confused with

anarchy: Anarchy is the absence of government or rules, whereas autonomy is self-governance according to one's own principles.

Word family

autonomous (adjective): Having the freedom to govern oneself or control one's own affairs.
autonomously (adverb): In an autonomous manner.

Collocations

bodily autonomy
personal autonomy
gain autonomy

Example sentences

"Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right that underpins all other civil liberties." Human Rights (United Nations Population Fund Report)
"Medical ethics requires doctors to respect a patient's autonomy when making treatment choices." Bioethics

Memory hook

Auto (self) + nomos (law) = making your own laws for yourself. Self-law, self-rule.

When not to use

Do not confuse with total isolation; autonomy implies self-direction, not complete detachment from all social ties.

Fun facts

Immanuel Kant placed autonomy at the heart of ethics, arguing that moral actions must come from self-chosen rational duties rather than outside pressure.