Autodidacts are individuals who are self-taught and have acquired knowledge through their own efforts. Synonyms for the term autodidact include self-learner, self-taught person, self-educated individual, and self-made scholar. Other synonyms that may be used to describe autodidacts include self-instructed, self-enlightened, and self-motivated learners. Some also refer to them as independent learners, since they can take up new subjects and master them without guidance or support. Related terms that describe similar endeavours include lifelong learning, continuous education, and informal education. Overall, the term autodidact is a powerful descriptor of individuals who have taken education into their own hands and embraced the challenges of self-directed learning.