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. )

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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

See Examples For:

automatically

Here’s a simple rule: Every time you get a raise, allocate half of it to savings automatically before it ever reaches your checking account.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

The heart is regulated partly by the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves that automatically manages essential functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

Gerstner began to envision a program that would automatically enroll American children in an investment vehicle that let them take advantage of the stock market growth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026

Instead, their booking will automatically be converted into a general admission ticket and the coach fare will be refunded.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

When a cow’s udders were full, she simply had to stroll into the parlor, where she’d be milked by gentle machines automatically.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

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Related Words

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

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