automatic
aw-tuh-MAT-ihk
Automatic (adj) means operating by itself, without a person directly controlling it. Example: “The doors open automatically when you approach them.”
adj
1
Operating by itself, without a person directly controlling it.
"The doors open automatically when you approach them."
"I drive an automatic car, so I never have to change gears."
"The kettle is automatic and switches itself off when the water boils."
2
Done without conscious thought, as a habit or reflex.
"Braking when a light turns red becomes automatic after enough practice."
"After years of practice, her reply to the question was almost automatic."
"Locking the door behind him had become an automatic habit."
noun
1
A vehicle with an automatic transmission, or a self-loading firearm.
"He traded in his manual for an automatic last year."
"I would rather hire an automatic than learn to drive a manual."
"Her first car was a small automatic that she bought secondhand."
How to use automatic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening or working by itself, without someone directly controlling it each time.
Common pairings
automatic transmission
automatic response
automatic weapon
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Word forms
- Plural
- automatics
- Comparative
- more automatic
- Superlative
- most automatic, dubious
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I drive an _____ car, so I never have to change gears.
Etymology
From Greek autómatos ("self-moving, acting of its own accord"), via Latin automatum and New Latin automaticus.
Synonyms
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mechanical
self-acting
involuntary
instinctive
reflex
spontaneous
automatonlike
reflexive
robotlike
robotic
machinelike
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for automatic
See all rhymes for automatic →Frequently asked questions
What does “automatic” mean?
The word “automatic” means operating by itself, without a person directly controlling it. In plain terms, happening or working by itself, without someone directly controlling it each time.
How do you pronounce “automatic”?
“Automatic” is pronounced aw-tuh-MAT-ihk (/ˌɔː.təˈmæt.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “automatic” in a sentence?
Here is “automatic” used in a sentence: “The doors open automatically when you approach them.”
What part of speech is “automatic”?
Depending on how it is used, “automatic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “automatic” come from?
The word “automatic” comes from New Latin. From Greek autómatos ("self-moving, acting of its own accord"), via Latin automatum and New Latin automaticus.
Is “automatic” a common word?
“Automatic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “automatic” have?
“Automatic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: operating by itself, without a person directly controlling it.
What is the difference between 'automatic' and 'automated'?
'Automatic' describes something that operates by itself without a person directly controlling it, and can also mean done without conscious thought. 'Automated' usually describes a process or system that has been deliberately converted to run by machines, often replacing manual work.
What is the difference between 'automatic' and 'manual'?
'Automatic' means operating by itself without direct human control, while 'manual' means operated or done by hand. With cars, an automatic changes gears by itself, whereas a manual requires the driver to change gears using a clutch and gearstick.
What are common collocations with 'automatic'?
Common collocations include 'automatic transmission', 'automatic doors', 'automatic response', 'automatic update', and 'on automatic pilot'. The phrase 'on automatic pilot' figuratively describes doing something routinely, without paying full attention.
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