automatically
AW-toh-mat-ih-klee
Automatically (adverb) means In a way that happens by itself, without a person having to control or think about it. Example: “The door opens automatically when you stand in front of it.”
adverb
1
In a way that happens by itself, without a person having to control or think about it.
"The door opens automatically when you stand in front of it."
"The lights switch on automatically once it gets dark outside."
"She apologized automatically, without really thinking about what she was saying."
How to use automatically
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone on its own, without someone deliberately making it happen each time.
Common pairings
happens automatically
saved automatically
renews automatically
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more automatically
- Superlative
- most automatically
Fill the gap
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The door opens _____ when you stand in front of it.
Etymology
From automatic plus the adverb ending -ally; "automatic" traces back to Greek autómatos, "acting of one's own will."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for automatically
See all rhymes for automatically →Frequently asked questions
What does “automatically” mean?
The word “automatically” means in a way that happens by itself, without a person having to control or think about it. In plain terms, done on its own, without someone deliberately making it happen each time.
How do you pronounce “automatically”?
“Automatically” is pronounced AW-toh-mat-ih-klee (/ˌɔː.təˈmæt.ɪ.k(ə.)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “automatically” in a sentence?
Here is “automatically” used in a sentence: “The lights switch on automatically once it gets dark outside.”
What part of speech is “automatically”?
“Automatically” is an adverb.
Where does the word “automatically” come from?
The word “automatically” comes from Greek. From automatic plus the adverb ending -ally; "automatic" traces back to Greek autómatos, "acting of one's own will.".
Is “automatically” a common word?
“Automatically” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What does automatically mean?
Automatically means in a way that happens by itself, without a person having to control or think about it. A door that opens automatically needs no push; a payment made automatically needs no reminder. It describes actions carried out by a machine, system, or reflex rather than by deliberate human effort.
What is the difference between automatically and manually?
Automatically means something happens by itself without human control, while manually means a person does it by hand or by deliberate action. An automatic car changes gears itself; a manual car needs the driver to do it. The two words mark the contrast between self-acting systems and hands-on human effort.
Can something happen automatically without technology?
Yes. While the word often describes machines and software, it also covers human reflexes and habits done without conscious thought, like blinking or flinching. Saying 'I automatically ducked' means the action was instinctive, not planned. So automatically can describe both mechanical processes and unthinking human responses.
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