Auto

Definition

Auto is an informal term primarily used to refer to an automobile, a self-propelled vehicle designed for passenger transportation. It can also serve as a prefix indicating "self" or "automatic" in various words, such as "autopilot" or "autobiography."

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Prefix

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtoʊ/
• Respelling: AW-toh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtəʊ/
• Respelling: AW-toh

The pronunciation of "auto" is similar in both American and British English, with minor differences in the vowel sounds of the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "auto" is derived from the Greek "autos," meaning "self." Its use as a term for "automobile" originated in the early 20th century, especially in North America, where "auto" became a popular abbreviation for the longer term.

Derivatives

• Automobile (noun)
• Autopilot (noun)
• Autonomous (adjective)
• Automation (noun)
• Autograph (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Car
• Vehicle
• Motor

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "auto" is commonly used in everyday language as a casual or shorthand term for "automobile." It is frequently found in advertisements, everyday conversation, and literature to refer to cars or vehicles. As a prefix, "auto-" is widely used in technical and scientific contexts to denote self-operating or self-referential aspects, as in "automatic" or "autonomy."

Related Terms

• Automobile: A self-propelled vehicle designed for passenger transport.
• Automatic: Operating by itself or independently of human control.
• Automation: The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of operation.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An automobile; a motor vehicle: Refers to a self-propelled vehicle used for personal or commercial transport.
  • Example: "She drove her auto to work every day."

Prefix

• Indicating self or automatic: Used in combination with other words to describe self-operating or self-referential qualities.
  • Example: "The car was equipped with autopilot technology."