Autonomous Meaning and Definition
Autonomous
Pronunciation
/ˈɔːtənəməs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A being with the capacity to act or make decisions independently and self-regulated, without external control or direction.
Examples
- The autonomous vehicles were tested on public roads.
- The company’s autonomous accounting software was praised for its efficiency.
Synonyms
- Independent
- Self-directed
Antonyms
- Dependent
- Controlled
Additional Information
Autonomous entities, whether human or artificial, are capable of making decisions and taking actions without external influence. This concept is crucial in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity, where autonomous systems are designed to function independently and efficiently.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of autonomous technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots, which have the potential to transform various industries and aspects of life.
However, the concept of autonomy also raises important ethical and legal questions, such as accountability, responsibility, and potential misuse of autonomous systems.
Etymology
The word “autonomous” comes from the Greek words “auton”, meaning “self”, and “nomos”, meaning “law” or “rule”. It was first used in the 17th century to describe a sense of self-governance and independence.
Usage Notes
The term “autonomous” is often used in various contexts, including business, technology, and academia. However, it is essential to use it accurately and correctly to convey the intended meaning.
In business, autonomous teams or departments are self-directed and independent, making their own decisions and taking action without external interference.
In technology, autonomous systems are designed to operate independently, making decisions and taking actions without human intervention.
Cultural References
In popular culture, autonomous entities have been featured in various forms of media, such as movies, books, and video games. For example, in the movie “Her” (2013), the protagonist develops an autonomous relationship with an artificial intelligence.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“On autopilot” is an idiomatic expression that implies operating independently without external control or direction.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “autonomous” include “independent”, “self-directed”, “self-governing”, and “self-regulated”.
Collocations
Common collocations with “autonomous” include “autonomous vehicle”, “autonomous system”, and “autonomous decision-making”.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the word “autonomous” has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in the context of technology and artificial intelligence.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “autonomous” include “autonomus”, “autonomusly”, and “autonomys”.