autonomous
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “autonomous” mean?
adjective.having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages related to political science, philosophy, or discussions of technology and robotics. It emphasizes the idea of self-governance and independence, distinguishing entities that operate without external control, unlike terms such as "dependent" or "subordinate," which imply a lack of autonomy.
Common Confusions
Autonomous implies self-governance and independence, while dependent usually suggests a reliance on others for support or decision-making.
Example Sentences
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The robot was fully autonomous and needed no human guidance.
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The region became autonomous after the agreement.
Word Parts: How to Remember “autonomous”
Break “autonomous” into its parts: auto- (self) + -nom- (law, rule). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
auto-self (Greek) -
Root:
-nom-law, rule (Greek)