'autodidacticism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autodidaktos,' where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'didaktos' meant 'taught.'

'autodidaktos' transformed into the French word 'autodidacte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'autodidacticism' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'self-taught,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the practice of self-directed learning.'