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. )

Example Sentences

From the VPN Mode settings menu, you can customize whether or not the VPN gets enabled automatically and in what circumstances.

From Salon

I learned the new financial POA didn’t automatically revoke the old one, and although the county had prepared a revocation letter, I was never given it.

From MarketWatch

Pupils in Year 11 are automatically offered the vaccine in school, with a second chance to have it again in Year 12, if they missed out the first time.

From BBC

"Robots will automatically harvest tomatoes that are easy to pick, while humans will handle the more challenging fruits."

From Science Daily

That’s because the filing deadline is automatically extended for an extra five days whenever a sitting lawmaker opts against seeking another term.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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