Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Self-governing; independent: Having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.
   • Functioning independently: Existing or operating separately from other things or people.
   • Self-directed: (Of a person) making their own decisions and acting independently, free from external control.

Usage Examples

• Self-governing:
  • The region became an autonomous province with its own parliament.
  • The university has an autonomous board that sets its own policies.
• Functioning independently:
  • The research division operates as an autonomous unit within the larger company.
  • The vehicle is equipped with an autonomous navigation system.
• Self-directed:
  • As an autonomous learner, she designs her own study schedule.
  • The artist worked in an autonomous manner, free from commercial pressures.

Advanced Usage

• Autonomous decision-making: The ability or right to make decisions without being controlled by others.
  • The branch managers were given autonomous decision-making power over local budgets.
• Autonomous vehicle: A self-driving car or other vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human input.
  • Major companies are investing heavily in the development of autonomous vehicles.

Variants and Related Words

• Autonomy (noun): The right or condition of self-government; independence.
  • The rebels fought for regional autonomy.
• Autonomously (adverb): In a self-governing or independent way.
  • The satellite continues to function autonomously.

Synonyms

• Independent: Not influenced or controlled by others.
• Self-governing: Having control or rule over oneself.
• Sovereign: Possessing supreme or ultimate power (often for a state).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Autonomous system: In computing and networking, a collection of connected networks under a single administrative domain.
  • The internet is a network of interconnected autonomous systems.
• Autonomous nervous system: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing and heartbeat. (Note: This is a specific biological term, not a phrasal verb of "autonomous").
  • Stress can affect your autonomous nervous system.

Adjective

1. (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment
2. existing as an independent entity
   • the partitioning of India created two separate and autonomous jute economies
3. (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
   • an autonomous judiciary
   • a sovereign state