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.

---

Etymology

Origin of automatically

First recorded in 1710–15; automatic ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

There is a question over whether Platt’s appointment automatically made him the co-CEO and gave him the authority to fire Lyons, the filing said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

AI agents could be deployed to buy protective puts should oil spike, hedging against potential stock losses, and automatically sweep customers’ cash into higher-yielding assets, like bonds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

It remains to be seen whether those offers materialise after a campaign in which Wales excited and had chances to qualify automatically, but ultimately fell short.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“I can hear that. But don’t worry,” I say automatically.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

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