noun

autodidact

aw-toh-DY-dakt

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Autodidact (noun) means a person who has taught themselves rather than learning through formal instruction. Example: “She was an autodidact who learned two languages from library books alone.”

noun

A person who has taught themselves rather than learning through formal instruction.

"She was an autodidact who learned two languages from library books alone."

"As an autodidact, he never went to university but built a deep knowledge of physics."

"The programmer was largely an autodidact, picking up new skills from online tutorials."

How to use autodidact

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn autodidact is simply someone who has taught themselves, without formal schooling in the subject.

When to use it

This is a fairly formal, literary word, more common in writing than in everyday speech.

Memory tip

If you need the related adjective, autodidactic is the form to use.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a true autodidact an autodidact by nature a lifelong autodidact

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

She was an _____ who learned two languages from library books alone.

Etymology

Autodidact comes from Ancient Greek autodidaktos, built from autos, meaning self, and didasko, meaning I teach. In English it can also be read simply as auto- joined to didact.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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automath

Frequently asked questions

What is an autodidact?

An autodidact is someone who has taught themselves a subject or skill rather than being formally taught.

Is autodidact just another word for self-taught?

Yes, it is the noun used for a person who is self-taught.

Is there another word for autodidact?

Automath is a recognised synonym, though it is a far less common word than autodidact.

What is the meaning of autodidact?

"autodidact" (noun) means a person who has taught themselves rather than learning through formal instruction.