automatically

American  

[aw-tuh-mat-ik-lee] / ˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk li /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of automatically

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

Explanation

Something that happens automatically happens in a mechanical way without a person having to do anything extra. If you walk through a door that swings open by itself, it opened automatically. When something is done automatically, it does it on its own, like a spellchecker that corrects your spelling automatically. In a crash, a car's airbag automatically fills with air. Many computers automatically go into rest mode (to save energy) if you don't touch them for a few seconds. Automatically can also refer to how you do something without thinking about it, like if you automatically walk into your old apartment and startle the new tenants.

Example Sentences

LAHSA’s Madigan said a physical altercation, such as the one Ponce described, shouldn’t automatically result in removal, because it might not present an imminent risk to the safety of residents or staff.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Across the displays—a curved monitor spanning 49 inches, and a small touchscreen below—were tabs for Kalshi’s prediction markets, Discord chats, a tool that automatically refreshed his social-media feeds and a live news telecast.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The firm’s evidence-match tool, which automatically matches information between two sets of records, can process 30 types of documents from a client, Panson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Fans who won a time slot in this drop but didn’t reach the ticket maximum will be automatically entered into subsequent ticket lotteries until they max out their ticket allotment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Is it just me, or does the name Doris automatically make you think of a lunch lady?

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Related Words

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