Etymology Map
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Autonomy

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means the right of self-government

Where does the word "autonomy" come from? It comes from Greek autonomia, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
autonomia
Greek · ancient
"self-rule"
Greek, 'autos', self, plus 'nomos', law
2
Stage 2 of 2
autonomy
English · 1620s
"self-government"
'autonomous' vehicles date from the 2000s
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Read the full story

Autonomy’s story begins in Greek: autonomia meant “self-rule.” Greek, 'autos', self, plus 'nomos', law. It reached English by 1620s as autonomy. 'autonomous' vehicles date from the 2000s. Today, autonomy means the right of self-government.