What does "self-government" mean?
The governance of a region by its own populace; autonomy.
Self-government
noun
noun ·4 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The governance of a region by its own populace; autonomy.
- Grammar: self-government is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: self-rule, absolute monarchy, act independently, aplomb.
- Useful contrasts: colonial government, adult rule, central rule.
- Usage evidence: In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but "from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth."
How to use "self-government"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "self-government" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "self-government" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "self-government" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "self-rule" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The governance of a region by its own populace; autonomy. uncountable
"The radical party agitated for the region to secede from the confederation and establish self-government."
- 2 government of a political unit by its own people wordnet
- 3 Personal self-control. dated, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
colonial governmentadult rulecentral rulecolonial rule
Example
"In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but "from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "self-government"?
Common synonyms include: self-rule, absolute monarchy, act independently, aplomb, aristocracy, autarchy.
How do you use "self-government" in a sentence?
In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but "from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth."
Etymology
From self- + government.