Autonomy
/ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/noun
The right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere.
Did you know?The concept of autonomy has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it was tied to the idea of self-rule and personal sovereignty, linking it to both democracy and individual power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αὐτονομία (autonomia)
“Self-governance or self-legislation, derived from 'auto' (self) and 'nomos' (law).”
Late Latin
Latin
autonomia
“Adoption of the Greek term into Latin, maintaining the meaning of self-governance.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
autonomia
“Used in philosophical texts to describe the concept of self-rule.”
16th Century
English
autonomy
“Adoption into English, referring to the capacity for self-governance.”