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Meaning & use

autonomy

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/
US/ɑːˈtɑː.nə.mi/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The right or power of a region, group, or institution to govern itself without outside control.

    Grammar: Usually no plural; often followed by from or to do.

    Patterns

    • regional autonomy
    • autonomy from somewhere
    • grant autonomy to someone

    The island was granted greater autonomy over local taxes.

    The university wants more autonomy from the ministry.

    Regional autonomy can protect local languages and customs.

  2. noununcountable

    The ability or freedom of a person to make their own choices and decisions.

    Grammar: Often appears as personal autonomy; not used as a countable item.

    Patterns

    • personal autonomy
    • respect someone's autonomy
    • lose autonomy

    Personal autonomy matters when choosing a career.

    Parents should respect a teenager's growing autonomy.

    Illness can reduce a person's sense of autonomy.

  3. noununcountablemedical

    A patient's right to make informed decisions about their own medical care.

    Grammar: A medical and ethical use; often discussed with consent and capacity.

    Patterns

    • patient autonomy
    • respect patient autonomy
    • autonomy and consent

    The course covers patient autonomy and informed consent.

    Doctors must respect patient autonomy whenever possible.

    Her autonomy was supported by clear explanations of the risks.

Common combinations

personal autonomy
The job gives her more personal autonomy.
regional autonomy
Regional autonomy allowed local control of schools.
respect someone's autonomy
Good caregivers respect the patient's autonomy.
grant autonomy
The charter granted autonomy to the research unit.

Synonyms and how they differ

independence
Independence is broader freedom; autonomy stresses the power to decide for oneself.
self-government
Self-government fits regions or institutions and is more political than personal.
self-determination
Self-determination is formal and often political, especially for nations or peoples.

Opposites

dependencecontrolsubordination

Word family

autonomous adjective
Able to govern or act independently.

Commonly confused: autonomy or automation?

autonomy vs automation

Autonomy means self-rule or self-direction; automation means using machines to do tasks.

Practice

The province was given greater ___ to manage its own schools and hospitals.

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