l’autodidacte
self-taught
Definition & meaning
Autodidacte means self-taught. As a noun, it refers to someone who has acquired knowledge or skills largely through their own efforts rather than through formal instruction. As an adjective, it describes a person or ability developed in this way.
It can be used for any gender: un autodidacte (a self-taught man) or une autodidacte (a self-taught woman).
Grammar & Word origin
Autodidacte is both a noun and an adjective. Its plural is autodidactes.
The word combines auto-, meaning “self,” with didacte, relating to teaching or instruction. It ultimately comes from Greek roots.
Synonyms & antonyms
There is no exact synonym in every context. Formé seul (, “self-trained”) expresses a similar idea, but is a descriptive phrase rather than a single noun or adjective.
There is no strict antonym: a self-taught person may also have received some formal education. Depending on context, formé par un enseignant (, “trained by a teacher”) describes the contrasting situation.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Mon frère est un musicien autodidacte.adjective
My brother is a self-taught musician.
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