auto-

Self, in combinations

Auto- is a prefix meaning self or same, appearing in words where someone or something acts on itself or operates independently.

An autobiography is a life story written by oneself; an autoimmune disease involves the body attacking its own tissues.

In modern usage, auto- often signals automatic operation: autocorrect, autofill, autopilot.

The prefix also appears in automobile and its clipped form auto, where the self-propelled nature distinguishes it from horse-drawn vehicles.

self

autopsy

Medical examination after death

autosuggestionSelf-directed mental influence
autofocusSelf-adjusting lens clarity
autocompleteSoftware-suggested text completion

autotroph · automate · autodial · autosave · autoplay · autofill · autorotation · autolysis · autogenous

automatic

automate

Make self-operating

autocompleteSoftware-suggested text completion
autofillAutomatic form completion
autosaveAutomatic file preservation

autoplay · autofocus · autostart · autoupdate · autorun · autodialer · autoresponder · autogenerate · autodetect · autoload

vehicle

automotive

Relating to motor vehicles

automakerVehicle manufacturer
autobahnGerman expressway system
autopartsVehicle replacement pieces

Categories

prefixespre-, anti, post-, contra, re-
morphemesmorpheme, affix, prefix, suffix, infix

Opposites

self vs. other

auto-exo-

Prefix denoting outside

automatic vs. manual

Written instructions for use

manually · by hand · labor-intensive

Phrases

autonomous vehiclesMotor transport needing no human
automatic doorsEntrances operating without manual effort
on autopilotActing without active awareness
auto insurancePolicy covering vehicle damage
auto mechanicVehicle repair specialist
grand theft autoUnlawful vehicle taking

Family

auto, automatic, autonomy, automobile, autograph, autonomous, automation, autobiography, autocratic

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G