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adj Uncommon

robotic

roh-BOT-ihk

Robotic (adj) means relating to robots, or moving in a stiff, mechanical way that resembles one. Example: “The warehouse now uses robotic arms to sort packages.”

adj
1
Relating to robots, or moving in a stiff, mechanical way that resembles one.
"The warehouse now uses robotic arms to sort packages."
"His robotic delivery made the speech hard to sit through."

How to Use Robotic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "made by or relating to robots" or "moving/acting stiffly like a machine."

Common pairings
robotic arm robotic surgery robotic movement

Word Forms

more robotic comparative, most robotic superlative

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Test yourself on “robotic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The warehouse now uses _____ arms to sort packages.

Etymology

From "robot" plus the adjective ending "-ic," coined by science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1941.

· First attested 1941

Class of 1941 robotic joined the language around 1941.
See the full Class of 1941 →

Related Words

Rhymes for robotic

See all rhymes for robotic →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “robotic” mean?

The word “robotic” means relating to robots, or moving in a stiff, mechanical way that resembles one. In plain terms, either "made by or relating to robots" or "moving/acting stiffly like a machine.".

How do you pronounce “robotic”?

“Robotic” is pronounced roh-BOT-ihk (/ɹoʊˈbɑtɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “robotic” in a sentence?

Here is “robotic” used in a sentence: “The warehouse now uses robotic arms to sort packages.”

What part of speech is “robotic”?

“Robotic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “robotic” come from?

The word “robotic” dates back to around 1941. From "robot" plus the adjective ending "-ic," coined by science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1941.

Is “robotic” a common word?

“Robotic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between "robotic" and "mechanical"?

"Robotic" specifically relates to robots or describes movement that resembles a robot's stiff, automated motion, often applied figuratively to human behavior. "Mechanical" more broadly describes anything relating to machines or machine-like function, and does not necessarily evoke robots specifically.

What is the difference between "robotic" and "automated"?

"Automated" describes a process or system that operates without human intervention, regardless of what it resembles physically. "Robotic" adds the specific quality of resembling a robot, either literally in machinery or figuratively in stiff, mechanical human movement.

What does it mean to describe a person's behavior as "robotic"?

When applied to a person, "robotic" figuratively describes movement, speech, or manner that seems stiff, repetitive, and mechanical, lacking natural human spontaneity or emotion, as though the person were moving like a machine.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial