Words / C1

or-TON-uh-mee/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/

Autonomy is the right or capacity to decide for yourself — of a person, a team, or an institution. Native writers contrast autonomy with control, supervision, or dependence. Independence is broader (not relying on others); autonomy stresses decision-making authority. Autonomous is the adjective: an autonomous region / learner.

Meaning

The right or ability to make your own decisions.

Examples

• “Universities want more autonomy.”
• “Junior doctors want more clinical autonomy.”
• “The unit was given autonomy over its budget.”

Good to know

autonomy = freedom to decide. independence = not relying on others. adjective: autonomous.

Near in meaning

independence

New