Agency Dictionary

Autonomous

adjectivePronunciation: /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.məs/

In Portuguese: Autônomo

Philosophy & Ethics

What does “Autonomous” mean?

Possessing the freedom and self-governance to act independently without external dictation or continuous supervision.

Etymology

From Greek autonomos, "living under one's own laws", formed from autos ("self") and nomos ("law, custom"), with the English adjective ending -ous. The adjective appeared in English in the late 18th century, after the noun autonomy, and was used first of states and communities that govern themselves. It was extended to persons who decide for themselves and, in the 20th century, to machines and systems that operate without continuous human control.

Usage note

Of machines, autonomous implies decisions made without a human operator, which is more than automatic operation.

Synonyms

independent
self-governing
self-directed
sovereign
self-sufficient
free

Often confused with

automatic: An automatic device repeats a fixed operation by itself; an autonomous one chooses its actions according to the situation.
autonomic: Autonomic is a term of physiology, for the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions.

Word family

autonomy
autonomously
autonomic
autonomist

Usage examples

I want my readers to be all on their own autonomous boats with badass paddles.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Antithesisnoun: A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
Treatisenoun: A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Maximnoun: A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
rhetoricnoun: The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective: Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
Holisticadjective: Characterized by the comprehension of parts as intimately interconnected and explicable only in reference to the whole.
Abyssnoun: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
aestheticsnoun: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
Affectnoun: An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
Agapenoun: A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Ambiguitynoun: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.

Also from these editions: terms

Bamboozleverb: To deceive, confuse, or frustrate someone through deliberate trickery or misleading assertions.
catalystnoun: A substance or factor that accelerates a chemical reaction or stimulates widespread systemic change without being consumed.
Creakyadjective: Making a harsh squeaking or groaning sound, or colloquially worn out, stiff, and aged.
Cyclicadjective: Occurring in cycles or regular intervals; periodically recurring in a predictable pattern through time.
Epiphanynoun: A moment of sudden and profound intuitive comprehension, clarity, or essential insight.
Immaculateadjective: Free from flaws, mistakes, or moral blemishes; perfectly clean, pristine, and stainless.
Imperfectionnoun: A fault, flaw, or inadequacy that prevents someone or something from reaching total excellence or ideal completeness.
Mentornoun: An experienced, wise, and trusted adviser who guides and nurtures the personal or professional development of a less experienced person.
Protocolnoun: An official procedure, established code of correct conduct, or standardized system of rules governing professional operations.
Quillnoun: A writing pen made from the hard, hollow flight feather of a large bird, dipped in ink for calligraphy and manuscript writing.
Synergynoun: The interaction or cooperation of two or more agents or parts to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual components.
Tirelesslyadverb: In an energetic, relentless, and determined manner that shows no loss of enthusiasm or willingness to stop.