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

If you didn’t buy the maximum 12 tickets allowed, you’ll automatically be entered for the next ticket draw later this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“Now, to be clear, this nonconfirmation does not automatically mean that stocks are ‘wrong’ and oil/Treasurys are ‘right.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

There were also larger drop-offs in states where a high proportion of people were automatically re-enrolled in their plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

A vast majority of US states and territories also automatically register men for selective service when driver's licenses are issued.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

And then one of the roof windows automatically slid open.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

Related Words

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