autobiographical

UK: ˌɔːtəbaɪəˈɡræfɪkəl | US: ˌɔːtoʊbaɪəˈɡræfɪkəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or being a written account of a person's life written by that person

  2. adj. reflecting the author's own life experiences or personal history

Structure
auto <self>bio <life>graph <write>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word combines Greek morphemes:

  • "auto" (self) from Greek autos
  • "bio" (life) from Greek bios
  • "graph" (write) from Greek graphein
    The suffix "-ical" forms adjectives.
    Originally used in the 18th century, "autobiography" (self-life-writing) described self-written life stories. The adjective form "autobiographical" emerged later to describe works or styles reflecting the author’s own life.
Examples

  1. Her novel is highly autobiographical, drawing heavily from her childhood.

  2. The film includes autobiographical elements from the director’s early career.

  3. He resisted labeling his poetry as purely autobiographical.

  4. The memoir’s autobiographical tone makes it deeply personal.

  5. Critics praised the autobiographical honesty in her latest essay collection.