Autopticity

/ˌɔːtɑːpˈtɪsɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being based on direct personal observation or eyewitness experience.

Etymology

From 'autoptic' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ity,' which creates abstract nouns from adjectives. This technical term emerged in philosophical and historical scholarship to discuss the reliability of firsthand accounts.

Kelly Says

This word lets scholars argue about whether a historical account has 'autopticity'—basically asking 'Did the person writing this actually see what they're describing, or are they just passing along gossip?'

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