autonomy
aw-TON-uh-mee
/ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/
The state or condition of self-governance; independence and freedom to guide one's own actions.
Refers to structural or personal independence, especially the capacity for self-legislation.
The story behind the word. Formed from Greek 'autos' (self) and 'nomos' (law). It originally described Greek city-states that governed themselves under their own laws rather than submitting to foreign rulers.
Word relationships
- independence: Independence is general self-reliance, while autonomy emphasizes rational self-governance and moral rule.
- heteronomy: Heteronomy refers to being ruled or governed by an external force or law.
Commonly confused with
- automation: Automation refers to machine operation, whereas autonomy refers to moral and self-governing freedom.
Word family
- autonomous (adjective): Self-governing; independent.
- autonomously (adverb): In an autonomous manner.
Collocations
- bodily autonomy
- grant autonomy
- personal autonomy
Example sentences
- "Patient autonomy requires that doctors respect a patient's right to refuse treatment after being fully informed." Medical ethics
Memory hook
AUTO (self) + NOMY (law) = making your own laws. Self-rule and self-law.
When not to use
Do not confuse with isolation; an autonomous individual can live interdependently within society.
Fun facts
- Immanuel Kant placed autonomy at the core of human dignity, asserting that morality comes from giving law to oneself.
Explore more words
autonomous, self-governing, sovereignty, independent, sovereign
Also appears in
- Leadership → Delegation & Empowerment
- Technology → Ethics in Science & Tech
- Law → Legal Rights & Liberties
- Arts & Literature → Censorship & Artistic Freedom
- Philosophy → Justice & Political Philosophy
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Indigenous Populations
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Gig Economy & Freelancing
- Education & Pedagogy → Homeschooling & Alternative Ed
- Health Sciences → Medical Ethics & Bioethics
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Freelance Journalism & Blogging
- Military Science & Warfare → Aerospace Defense & Drones
- Philosophy → Feminist Philosophy
- Political Science & Governance → Regionalism & Decentralization
- Political Science & Governance → Secession & Separatism
- Political Science & Governance → Federalism vs Unitary States
- Psychology → Motivation & Drive
- Psychology → Occupational Psychology
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Tribal Communities & Integration
- Occasions, Holidays & Parties → National Independence Days
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