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 notesIn plain EnglishEither "made by or relating to robots" or "moving/acting stiffly like a machine."
Common pairings
robotic arm
robotic surgery
robotic movement
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more robotic
- Superlative
- most robotic
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.
Class of 1941
robotic joined the language around 1941.
See the full Class of 1941 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for robotic
biotic
exotic
erotic
chaotic
idiotic
neurotic
narcotic
hypnotic
amniotic
probiotic
patriotic
symbiotic
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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