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

The ultimate goal is a compiler that takes code written for conventional computers and automatically transforms it into an efficient quantum algorithm.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

This system would automatically shut down components to protect the probe, requiring a complex recovery process that carries additional risks.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

The first, passed in March, was an unusual measure giving the state the right to automatically appeal any decision holding that it didn’t enjoy sovereign immunity from suit.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Customers who booked flights through Spirit using credit cards are set to receive refunds automatically.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

The robot backed into the ocean, up to her waist, and then automatically stopped.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

Related Words

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