BharatNotes Autonomy
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Finance Commission — constituted under Article 280 every five years as a constitutional body — exercises fiscal autonomy in determining the formula for devolution of Central taxes to States, and its recommendations, though technically advisory, are historically treated as binding by convention.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
autonomous (adj), autonomously (adv), autonomise (verb), heteronomy (noun, antonym), autonymous (adj, rare)
Root
Greek autos = self; nomos = law, custom, management → autonomia = living by one's own laws
Etymology
From Greek autonomia 'the right of living under one's own laws, independence', from autonomos 'living under one's own laws', composed of autos 'self' + nomos 'law, custom, management'. First attested in Greek in the 5th century BCE in Herodotus, referring to the independence of Greek city-states. Entered English via Latin autonomia in the 17th century, initially in political contexts.
Memory Hook
AUTO (self) + NOMY (law/management): autonomy = managing yourself by YOUR OWN LAWS. A thermostat on AUTO sets its own temperature — it governs itself. An AUTONOMOUS region writes its own laws (nomos = law): self-rule, self-law, self-manage.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2022 · GS2 · 15 marks — Indian Polity
- Mains 2020 · GS2 · 10 marks — Governance
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Autonomy” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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