automatically
Americanadverb
-
without volition or from force of habit; mechanically.
Whenever I hear that song, I automatically think of my dad.
-
by a device or process requiring no human intervention.
The switch can be operated automatically or manually.
-
in a manner independent of a decision or action.
Your membership will be renewed automatically.
-
(of a firearm) repeatedly for as long as the trigger is pulled.
a rifle that fires automatically.
Etymology
Origin of automatically
First recorded in 1710–15; automatic ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Trump also referenced Ukraine in the Telegraph, saying: "We've been there automatically, including Ukraine."
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
One factor reinforcing Block’s motivation for shorting credit is his opinion that there is too much passive investing in the market that automatically exaggerates moves when they come.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
They are typically the default investment for new hires who are automatically enrolled.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
If he gets two more technical fouls between now and the end of the end of the regular season, he will be automatically suspended for an additional game.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026
“They’re on auto-prescription and will adjust automatically to whatever settings you need. You can use them to holo-message us.”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
