self-governed

[ self-guhv-ernd, self- ]

adjective

1. governed by itself or having self-government, as a state or community; independent.

   Synonyms: autonomous

   Antonyms: dependent

2. self-regulating; self-determining.
3. exercising self-restraint or self-control.

Other Words From

• self-govern·ing adjective
• nonself-govern·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-governed¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Rapt in reverential awe, To sit, self-governed in the fiery prime Of youth, obedient at the feet of law.

From Project Gutenberg

As the potato was the staple food of the people, this would have been sufficiently disastrous, even in a self-governed country.

From Project Gutenberg

They dwelt in cities of their own which were practically self-governed, and they were granted many privileges.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Wilfrid Bury, for instance, prince of self-governed and reasonable men, was not to be touched by Julie.

From Project Gutenberg

Personality is founded upon self-consciousness, with self-governed intelligence and self-directed action.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• absolute
• autonomous
• unlimited