automatically

[aw-tuh-mat-ik-lee]

adverb

1. without volition or from force of habit; mechanically.

   Whenever I hear that song, I automatically think of my dad.

2. by a device or process requiring no human intervention.

   The switch can be operated automatically or manually.

3. in a manner independent of a decision or action.

   Your membership will be renewed automatically.

4. (of a firearm) repeatedly for as long as the trigger is pulled.

   a rifle that fires automatically.

Word History and Origins

Origin of automatically¹

First recorded in 1710–15; automatic ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Cape Verde have won groups and filled six of the nine places automatically reserved for Africa at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Read more on Barron's

The mechanism automatically reduces even profitable traders’ positions to cover losses from liquidations.

Read more on MarketWatch

Employees typically have state and federal taxes automatically withheld from their paychecks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most smartphones, digital devices and even modern cars will adjust the time automatically when GMT begins.

Read more on BBC

The deputy leader is not automatically the deputy prime minister - the official government understudy - and won't be this time.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commonly 
• faithfully 
• frequently 
• repeatedly 
• routinely 
• systematically 
• usually