Heteronomous

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌhɛtəˈrɒnəməs/

Definitions of heteronomous

adjective relating to or characterized by heteronomy, which is the state or condition of being governed by external laws or authorities

Example Sentences

A1 Some animals have heteronomous behaviors that are instinctual and not based on individual choice.

A2 In certain societies, there are heteronomous rules and regulations that must be followed by all members.

B1 The company operates under a heteronomous management style where decisions are made by a higher authority.

B2 The legal system in this country is characterized by its heteronomous nature, with laws being enforced by external authorities.

C1 The philosopher discussed the concept of heteronomous ethics and the role of external influences on moral decision-making.

C2 The research paper delved into the complexities of heteronomous social structures and their impact on individual autonomy.

Examples of heteronomous in a Sentence

formal In a heteronomous society, laws and regulations are imposed by an external authority.

informal Living in a heteronomous culture means following rules set by someone else.

slang I hate feeling heteronomous, I just want to do my own thing.

figurative Her mind felt heteronomous, controlled by outside influences rather than her own thoughts.

Grammatical Forms of heteronomous

past tense

heteronomized

plural

heteronomouses

comparative

more heteronomous

superlative

most heteronomous

present tense

heteronomizes

future tense

will heteronomize

perfect tense

has heteronomized

continuous tense

is heteronomizing

singular

heteronomous

positive degree

heteronomous

infinitive

to heteronomize

gerund

heteronomizing

participle

heteronomized

Origin and Evolution of heteronomous

First Known Use: 1800 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'heteronomous' originated from the combination of the Greek roots 'hetero-' meaning 'different' and '-nomos' meaning 'law'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in philosophy to describe a system of laws or norms imposed from outside the individual, the term 'heteronomous' has evolved to also encompass social and cultural contexts where external influences dictate behavior or beliefs.