DefinioSaved words

Words with the root auto

auto means “self”, from Greekautos.

16 examples of the root “auto”

  1. autographgraphone's own signature or writing
  2. automaticmaticacting by itself without control
  3. automobilemobileself-moving vehicle
  4. autopilotpilotdevice that pilots itself
  5. autobiographybiographystory of one's own life
  6. autocratcratruler of absolute self-power
  7. autofocusfocusfocuses itself automatically
  8. autonomynomyright to govern oneself
  9. autopsyopsyseeing for oneself after death
  10. autoimmuneimmuneimmune system attacking itself
  11. autoclaveclaveself-locking pressurized vessel
  12. autonomicnomicself-governing bodily system
  13. autochthonouschthonousoriginating from the land itself
  14. autodidactdidactperson who taught themselves
  15. autotrophictrophicable to feed itself independently

Also: autonomous

How auto works

The root 'auto' typically functions as a prefix, leaving the base word's part of speech unchanged (e.g., 'graph' noun → 'autograph' noun, 'nomic' adjective → 'autonomic' adjective). It remains spelled 'auto' in all common English words without the assimilation changes seen in Latin-derived prefixes.

Watch out: The word 'autumn' looks like it might contain 'auto' but actually derives from Latin 'autumnus,' with no connection to the meaning 'self.'

To see roots combine with other parts, try the word dissector and root builder, or test yourself in the vocabulary quiz.

Other Greek and Latin roots

Questions people ask

What does the root “auto” mean?

auto means “self”. It comes from Greek (autos). The root 'auto' typically functions as a prefix, leaving the base word's part of speech unchanged (e.g., 'graph' noun → 'autograph' noun, 'nomic' adjective → 'autonomic' adjective). It remains spelled 'auto' in all common English words without the assimilation changes seen in Latin-derived prefixes.

What are some examples of words with the root “auto”?

autograph, automatic, automobile, autopilot, autobiography, autocrat, autofocus, autonomy. The full list of 16 examples, with what each one literally means, is above.

Which words look like they have the root “auto” but don’t?

The word 'autumn' looks like it might contain 'auto' but actually derives from Latin 'autumnus,' with no connection to the meaning 'self.'

What is a root word?

A root is the core of a word that carries its main meaning. Many English roots come from Latin or Greek and cannot stand alone, like port (“carry”) in transport and portable.