automatic

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.

“Automatic” is pronounced aw-tuh-MAT-ihk (/ˌɔː.təˈmæt.ɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “automatic” used in a sentence: “The doors open automatically when you approach them.”

Depending on how it is used, “automatic” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “automatic” comes from New Latin. From Greek autómatos ("self-moving, acting of its own accord"), via Latin automatum and New Latin automaticus.

“Automatic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Automatic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: operating by itself, without a person directly controlling it.

'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.

'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.

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.