What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
autonomy
Example
The company gives its employees a lot of autonomy to make decisions. [autonomy: noun]
Example
She values her autonomy and doesn't like being told what to do. [autonomy: noun]
independence
Example
After graduating from college, she moved out and gained her independence. [independence: noun]
Example
He wants to prove his independence by living on his own. [independence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Independence is more commonly used than autonomy in everyday language. Independence is a widely understood concept and is often used to describe personal freedom and self-reliance. On the other hand, autonomy is more specific and tends to be used in more specialized contexts such as business, politics, or psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between autonomy and independence?
Both autonomy and independence can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, autonomy is more commonly associated with professional and organizational settings, making it slightly more formal in those contexts.
