autobiography - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
autobiography Word Meanings
- a person's life story written by themselves
- an account of someone's life by that person
- a personal narrative of one's own life
autobiography Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
autobiography Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌɔːtəʊbaɪˈɒgrəfi/
US
/ˌɔtəbaɪˈɑɡrəfi/
autobiography Word Etymology
auto- = self, biography = life story; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine writing your own story, with a pen in one hand and a mirror in the other, reflecting on your life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An autobiography is a nonfiction narrative written by the person whose life it recounts, usually in the first person, covering major life events, motivations, challenges, and turning points with reflective insights. The term combines auto- (self) and biography (life story), signaling self-writing rather than a biography composed by another author. Autobiographies can be intimate or formal and may include critical self-examination, bias, and memory gaps. They are distinct from memoirs, which focus on specific periods or themes, and from third-person biographies. For learners, note the voice, chronology, and the balance between memory and interpretation in these texts.
Usage Reminders
- • Use autobiography for a life story written by the subject
- • Distinguish from memoir (focused on a period) and biography (written by others)
- • Prefer first-person voice when describing events
- • Watch for memory bias and reflective tone
- • Check spelling: autobiography, not ‘autobiograph’ or ‘auto biography’
Common Misconceptions
- Autobiography = memoir in all cases
- Only famous people write autobiographies
- Autobiography always covers the whole life
- Autobiography and biography are interchangeable
- Spelling is flexible
Thinking Differences
English learners are often taught to separate 'autobiography' (life story written by the person) from 'memoir' (focus on a period or theme) and 'biography' (written by someone else). Keep the difference in scope and voice in mind when choosing which term to use.
Learning Tips
- Pronounce as /ˌɔːtəbaɪˈɒɡrəfi/ or /ˌɔːtəɪˈbɒɡrəfi/ depending on dialect
- Remember auto- = self, bio- = life; it's self-written
- Differentiate from memoir (scope) and biography (author's voice)
- Use with confidence in academic or literary contexts
- Be mindful of memory bias when discussing events
- Check that it refers to the entire life, not just a period
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'autobiography'?
A.A story written by someone about their own life
B.A type of fiction novel
C.A scientific theory
D.A type of ancient artifact
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'autobiography' used correctly?
A.She read an autobiography about ancient civilizations.
B.The autobiography was a thrilling adventure story.
C.He wrote an autobiography about his childhood.
D.The autobiography was a fantasy novel.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'autobiography'?
A.Biography
B.Fantasy
C.Science
D.Mystery
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'autobiography'?
A.Memoir
B.Sci-Fi
C.Nonfiction
D.Fiction
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'autobiography' in a real-life situation?
A.Discussing a scientific theory
B.Talking about a fictional story
C.Describing a book written by the author themselves
D.Ignoring history altogether
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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