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

Telecare systems typically work by having an emergency button which automatically calls the emergency services or carers when pressed via a user's landline.

From BBC

The eight division winners automatically make the playoffs and the next eight teams with the best records are in as well.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Magic Eraser in Google Photos, which is available for iOS and Android, automatically outlined the other tourists.

From The Wall Street Journal

About half attend colleges more selective than the California State University system, which will soon automatically admit students who meet requirements at 16 of its campuses.

From Los Angeles Times

The boats had rejected their inputs and automatically idled as a fail-safe, making them “dead” in the water.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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