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 AI agent, integrated into IBM’s security network, automatically verifies the employee’s identity, pulls the required data from the HR system and sends the letter.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

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

North American fans will be refunded automatically if their tickets were bought on Ticketmaster or AXS, while those who bought through third-party resellers have been told to contact their point of purchase.

From BBC • 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

“Yeah,” I say, and my stomach rumbles automatically.

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist

Related Words

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