In a manner that shows independence or self-governance; without being controlled or directed by others.
From autonomous (from Greek autos + nomos) + -ously (adverbial suffix). Used consistently in modern English since the 18th century in political, philosophical, and scientific contexts.
Self-driving cars operate autonomously on highways, making decisions about speed and direction without a human controller. The word has gained serious tech currency in the AI age—'autonomous' systems are now everywhere.
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