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From which language does the word autonomy originate?

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autonomy

American  

[aw-ton-uh-mee] / ɔˈtɒn ə mi /

noun

• autonomies
  plural

1. 

   independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions.

   the autonomy of the individual.

2. the condition of being autonomous; self-government or the right of self-government.

   The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.

3. a self-governing community.

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autonomy British  

/ ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the right or state of self-government, esp when limited

2. a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy

3. freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc

4. philosophy

   1. the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws See also categorical imperative

   2. the state in which one's actions are autonomous

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• autonomist
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• autonomies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of autonomy

First recorded in 1615–25; from Greek autonomía “independence,” equivalent to autónom(os) autonomous + -ia -y ³

Explanation

When a group wants to govern itself or a person wants to make independent decisions, they are looking for autonomy. Autonomy comes from the Greek roots auto meaning "self" and nomos meaning "custom" or "law." This reflects the political sense of the word — a group's right to self-government or self-rule. When a person seeks autonomy, he or she would like to be able to make decisions independently from an authority figure. Can you relate?

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

autonomy autonomies

Their maleficent Ronettes angle was funny and self-aware, but utterly sincere about the true promise of Satanism — autonomy, knowledge, freedom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

"I'm in a happy, healthy relationship and I have total autonomy over my own life," says the singer, now in her early 30s.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

“We see Semi as an underappreciated avenue for Tesla to expand its autonomy capabilities, with impressive unit economics that support a strong demand outlook,” Percoco said in a note to clients on Friday.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

The company that makes the computer advertises more advanced modules, which it claims will provide additional and even full autonomy.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026

I’d rather leave all my automatic functions with as much autonomy as they please, and hope for the best.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

The underlying premise is that charter schools must have certain autonomies and flexibilities to function effectively.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 9, 2023

Spinning on an axis of anxiety, “Huesera” raises the provocative idea that motherhood can feel akin to a curse stripping one of stability and sacred autonomies.

From New York Times ● Jun. 8, 2022

They say it is an important step in closing the wounds left by the state takeover without sacrificing the autonomies that they say have been essential for driving academic progress.

From Washington Post ● May 10, 2016

Opinions in Spain would split according to autonomies and political colour.

From Economist ● May 15, 2012

As he trimmed my beard he ranted about autonomies, puny city against puny city.

From Voices from the Past by Paul Alexander Bartlett

Related Words

• freedom
• self-determination
• self-government
• self-rule
• sovereignty