self-sufficiency
UK[ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi]US[ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi]
n
the ability to provide everything you need for yourself, especially food, without help from other people.
n
the state of being confident and not needing other people's help or approval.
Morpheme Breakdown
self
suffici
ency
self
suffici
to supply, be adequate
ency
Etymology
the word "self-sufficiency" is a compound formed from the english reflexive pronoun "self" and the noun "sufficiency," which itself originates from latin. the latin verb sufficere is a combination of sub- ("under, up to") and facere ("to make, do"), literally meaning "to put under" or "to supply." over time, it evolved to signify being adequate or meeting needs. the suffix -ency, from latin -entia, denotes a state or condition. therefore, the term's literal construction points to "the state of being adequate by oneself." this elegantly captures the concept of independence, where one's own resources and capabilities are enough to meet all requirements, evolving from a concrete notion of material provision to also encompass psychological and emotional independence.
Analysis
Structure: self + suffici + ency
self (old english, meaning "one's own person")
suffici (latin, from sufficere, meaning "to supply, be adequate")
ency (latin, noun suffix -entia, indicating a state or quality)
Examples
the goal of the homesteading movement is to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency.
his financial self-sufficiency allowed him to pursue his artistic passions without compromise.
emotional self-sufficiency is important, but it doesn't mean you should isolate yourself from friends and family.