autocephalous
|au-to-ceph-a-lous|
/ˌɔːtəˈsɛfələs/
self-governing / self-headed
Etymology
'autocephalous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autokephalos' (αὐτοκέφαλος), where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'kephalē' meant 'head'.
'autocephalous' changed from Greek 'autokephalos' into Medieval/Modern Latin (e.g. 'autocephalus') and entered European languages (French 'autocéphale') before becoming the English adjective 'autocephalous'.
Initially it meant 'self-headed' (literally 'having one's own head'), but over time it evolved to the sense 'self-governing'—especially used of churches that govern themselves without external episcopal authority.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form of 'autocephalous': the condition or status of being autocephalous (self-governing), especially applied to a church; autocephaly.
The granting of autocephaly allowed the church to govern itself.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
specifically of a church: self-governing; not subject to the authority of an external higher ecclesiastical body or bishop.
The national Orthodox church became autocephalous and now elects its own primate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
more generally: independent or having the power to govern oneself.
A small, autocephalous organization can set its own rules without outside control.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/24 06:06