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

Environment Minister Steve Luce said it was clear that the "majority of people were not in favour of the proposed phase-out" and the UK's phase-out would "cascade to the local market automatically".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 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

However, payable-on-death and transfer-on-death accounts do not automatically provide trust protections.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

They are typically the default investment for new hires who are automatically enrolled.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I was surprised when Jillian hadn’t automatically agreed with me, even after I repeated the information Parker and I had used in our winning argument.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

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