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autonomy

aw-TON-uh-mee /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/

nounC1GREUPSCIELTS

formalacademic

The right or condition of self-government within a specified sphere or defined region.

Implies self-management and decision-making power granted within a broader nation-state context.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'autos' (self) and 'nomos' (law). Ancient Greek city-states used 'autonomia' to describe states that created their own laws rather than obeying a foreign ruler or empire.

Word relationships

self-rule: Self-rule is an informal equivalent of autonomy, emphasizing direct management by citizens.
sovereignty: Sovereignty is absolute, supreme authority; autonomy is self-governance within defined limits.

dependence: Dependence implies reliance on an external central authority for decisions.
subjection: Subjection means being governed entirely by an external ruler without self-management.

Commonly confused with

sovereignty: Autonomy is regional self-governance under a national umbrella; sovereignty means full, independent statehood.

Word family

autonomous (adjective): Having self-governing power.
autonomously (adverb): In an autonomous manner.

Collocations

regional autonomy
grant autonomy
fiscal autonomy
degree of autonomy

Example sentences

"The regional assembly negotiated with the central government for greater fiscal autonomy to manage local taxes." Governance

Memory hook

AUTO (self) + NOM (law) = making laws for oneself. Self-law and self-rule.

When not to use

Do not use if the entity is fully independent and recognized as a sovereign state.

Fun facts

Spain has 17 'Autonomous Communities', giving regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country their own parliaments.