autopotent
|au-to-po-tent|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːtəˈpoʊtənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːtəˈpəʊt(ə)nt/
self-derived power
Etymology
'autopotent' is formed from the prefix 'auto-' from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and the adjective 'potent' from Latin 'potens' meaning 'powerful'.
'auto-' (Greek 'autos') combined with Latin-derived English 'potent' produced the compound 'autopotent' in modern English as a formed/loan compound rather than inheriting a single older word.
The elements originally meant 'self' and 'powerful' separately; combined in modern coinage they yield the current sense of 'possessing self-derived power' with little semantic shift from their original components.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having power that originates from itself; possessing independent or self-derived power (not dependent on external sources).
The philosopher described a hypothetical autopotent being that required no external agency to act.
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Adjective 2
(rare, psychological/ethical) Having great self-mastery or personal authority; capable of controlling oneself or one's destiny.
Her autopotent will allowed her to remain calm under intense pressure.
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Last updated: 2025/11/28 01:20