Autobiography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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autobiography
[ˌɔːtəbaɪˈɒɡrəfi ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
literature
An account of a person's life written by that person.
Synonyms
life story, memoir, personal history.
Examples of usage
- Her autobiography was a bestseller last year.
- The autobiography provides insight into the author's personal experiences.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous autobiographies include 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank and 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'.
- This genre allows authors to explore personal experiences, enabling readers to connect deeply with their lives.
- Writers often use devices like flashbacks and reflections to make their life stories engaging.
Psychology
- Writing an autobiography can be therapeutic, helping authors bring clarity to their past experiences and emotions.
- It allows individuals to reflect on their life choices, which can lead to personal growth and understanding.
- Research shows that expressive writing, like in autobiographies, can improve mental well-being.
Cultural Impact
- Autobiographies can influence social change by highlighting personal struggles against societal issues.
- They often serve to inspire others by providing relatable stories of overcoming adversity.
- Modern technology, like blogs and vlogs, has made it easier for anyone to share their autobiography online.
Famous Autobiographers
- Notable figures such as Maya Angelou and Nelson Mandela have penned influential autobiographies that impact politics and culture.
- Their writings often reflect on historical context, revealing how personal narratives intersect with global events.
- Many autobiographers also discuss their creative process, giving insight into how they craft their narrative.
Origin of 'autobiography'
Main points about word origin
- 'Autobiography' comes from three Greek roots: 'auto' (self), 'bio' (life), and 'graphy' (writing).
- The term emerged in the early 19th century as a way for people to share their own stories in writing.
- It differs from a biography, which is about someone else's life.
The word 'autobiography' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of the Greek words 'autos' (self) and 'bios' (life), along with the suffix '-graphy' meaning writing. Autobiographies have been a popular form of literature for centuries, offering readers a unique perspective into the lives of various individuals. Famous autobiographies include 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'.