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

The top three from each heat, plus the three fastest who didn’t automatically qualify, advance to the semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also used in the manufacture of miniature motors, such as those that fold away a car's wing mirrors automatically when it is parked.

From Barron's

They’re called autocallable because if the underlying asset reaches a specific level at a specified time, the note automatically matures early.

From MarketWatch

Elliott will automatically become a permanent Villa player if he plays 10 games this season.

From BBC

It pops out when it needs to be used, either automatically through the user’s key fob or phone, or manually by pressing the handle.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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