Autodidact is a word that refers to someone who has taught themselves a particular subject or skill, without the guidance of a teacher. In terms of its spelling, the word is pronounced /ɔː.təˈdaɪ.dækt/ (aw-tuh-dahy-dakt), with stress on the third syllable. The first syllable is pronounced "aw" as in "coffee" and the final syllable is pronounced "dakt" as in "fact". The word comes from the Greek words "auto" meaning self, and "didaktos" meaning taught.
An autodidact is a person who pursues knowledge and acquires skills through their own efforts, independent of formal education or instruction. The term originates from the Greek words "auto," meaning "self," and "didaktos," meaning "taught." Autodidacts are driven by an innate curiosity and a deep passion for learning, taking it upon themselves to educate and improve themselves in various subject areas.
Autodidacts follow a self-directed learning path, often utilizing various resources such as books, online courses, videos, and practical application to expand their knowledge. They have a strong intrinsic motivation to explore new subjects and engage in intellectual pursuits, seeking to understand the world around them on their terms.
These individuals possess a high level of discipline and initiative, as they are responsible for structuring their own learning experiences. They are not limited by the constraints of a traditional educational system and can explore a broad range of topics, even those that may not be readily available in formal curricula. As they actively engage in self-education, autodidacts develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for self-reflection.
Autodidacts often become experts in specific fields and can contribute valuable insights to the knowledge pool. Their ability to adapt, progress, and grow independently enables them to continually evolve and refine their skills throughout their lives. The autodidactic approach to learning reveals the innate human capacity for intellectual development and the pursuit of knowledge beyond traditional classroom settings.
Self-taught; one who has taught himself.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "autodidact" has its origins in Greek. It is composed of two parts: "auto" meaning "self" and "didaktos" meaning "taught". Hence, an autodidact is someone who is self-taught.