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

About half attend colleges more selective than the California State University system, which will soon automatically admit students who meet requirements at 16 of its campuses.

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The boats had rejected their inputs and automatically idled as a fail-safe, making them “dead” in the water.

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It would have been a key first step towards submitting a new budget and replacing the 2023 accounts, which have been renewed automatically.

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The Reds are in 13th place in the league phase, with the top eight automatically qualifying for the last 16.

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The Gunners now have five wins out of five in the Champions League and are well on course to qualify automatically for the last 16.

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Related Words

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