Etymology

self-sufficient

Today it means: Able to provide for oneself independently of others; not needing external support. Full definition →

First used 16th c.Ancient Greek αὐτάρκης
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The story

  1. Ancient Greek · calque ofαὐτάρκης
  2. English todayself-sufficient

From self- + sufficient, a calque of Ancient Greek αὐτάρκης (autárkēs).

First known use, by meaning

  • from 16th c. Able to provide for oneself independently of others; not needing external support.
  • 17th–20th c. Overconfident in one's own abilities; arrogant.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.