Master confusing words with ease
Autocracy vs. Autonomy
Autocracy
/ɔːˈtɒkrəsi/Examples:
The nation shifted from a democracy to an autocracy.His autocracy led to public unrest and protests.Autocracy often suppresses free speech and dissent.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Autonomy
/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/Examples:
The universities were restored to autonomy and Jews allowed to attend.The community gained autonomy after decades of external control.Achieving financial autonomy is a key goal for young adults.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Autocracy includes the concept of authority; it's all about one person having complete control.
- Autonomy refers to self-rule; think of self in the sense of individuals or groups wanting to govern themselves.
- While autocracy implies centralization of power in a single authority, autonomy is about decentralization and independence.
- An autocracy might mean limited freedom for others, whereas autonomy is about gaining freedom to govern oneself.
- Remember auto- in both words; for autocracy, think auto as one person controlling, for autonomy, think auto as self control.
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