Reading Theme:
Autonomy Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：self-rule (autonomy)
autonomy
/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/
n.
the ability to make your own decisions and act independently, without needing permission from others.
self-rule
➕
/ˌself ˈruːl/
n.
The state of being independent and free to make one's own decisions without external control.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'autos' (self) + 'nomos' (law), literally 'self-law' or 'self-governing'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'AUTO' (like automatic, doing things by itself) + 'NOMY' (like economy, a system of management). A self-managing system.
📖 Example
The new policy gave teams more autonomy to manage their own projects and schedules.
The new policy allowed teams greater self-rule in handling their projects and timelines.
🔗 Collocations
personal autonomy – The freedom of an individual to make their own life choices.
grant autonomy – To give someone or a group the power to govern themselves.
exercise autonomy – To use one's right to make independent decisions.
🔄 Synonyms
independence (n.) – The state of not being influenced or controlled by others.
self-determination (n.) – The process by which a person or group controls their own life or fate.
self-sufficiency (n.) – The ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance.
🚫 Antonyms
dependence (n.) – The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
subordination (n.) – The state of being lower in rank or position, under someone's control.
🌱 Derivatives
autonomous (adj.) – Having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.
autonomously (adv.) – In a way that is self-governing or independent.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a concept in ancient Greek philosophy and political theory, 'autonomy' described a city-state's right to self-govern. It gained prominence during the Enlightenment, influencing ideas of individual liberty. Today, it's central to discussions in ethics (personal autonomy), politics (regional autonomy like in Scotland or Catalonia), and technology (autonomous vehicles).
Meaning 2：self-government (autonomy)
autonomy
/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/
n.
the right of a region or organization to govern itself independently, rather than being controlled by a central authority.
self-government
➕
/ˌself ˈɡʌvənmənt/
n.
The right of a political entity, like a region or organization, to govern itself independently.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Scotland has its own parliament and enjoys a significant degree of autonomy within the United Kingdom.
Scotland possesses its own parliament and has a notable level of self-government inside the United Kingdom.
🔗 Collocations
regional autonomy – The self-governing power granted to a specific area within a country.
political autonomy – The freedom of a group or territory to manage its own political affairs.
demand autonomy – To call for the right to self-rule.
🔄 Synonyms
self-rule (n.) – Government of a country or region by its own people.
sovereignty (n.) – Supreme power or authority, especially of a state to govern itself.
home rule (n.) – The government of a colony, dependent country, or region by its own citizens.
🚫 Antonyms
centralization (n.) – The concentration of control and power in a central authority.
control (n.) – The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events from a central point.
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