'self-determination' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'determination', where 'self' refers to one's own person and 'determination' refers to the act of deciding or settling something.

'Self-determination' evolved from the concept of individual autonomy and national sovereignty, becoming a key principle in international law and politics.

Initially, it meant 'the ability to make one's own choices', but over time it evolved to include the political right of nations to self-govern.