Automatically

Definition

Automatically is an adverb that describes an action or process that occurs without human intervention or conscious thought. It refers to events or actions happening as a result of a pre-set mechanism, routine, or reflex.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
• Respelling: aw-tuh-MAT-ik-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
• Respelling: aw-tuh-MAT-ik-lee

The pronunciation of "automatically" is consistent in both American and British English, with slight differences in accent.

Etymology

The word "automatically" originates from the Greek word "automatos," meaning "self-acting" or "spontaneous." It entered the English language through Late Latin "automaticus," evolving to the word "automatic" in English, with the suffix "-ally" forming the adverbial form.

Derivatives

• Automatic (adjective)
• Automation (noun)
• Automate (verb)
• Automated (adjective)
• Automaton (noun)

Synonyms

• Mechanically
• Involuntarily
• Reflexively

Antonyms

• Manually
• Deliberately
• Consciously

Usage

The term "automatically" is often used to describe actions or processes that happen by themselves without human effort. For instance, "The door locks automatically when closed," or "He automatically responded with a smile."

Related Terms

• Automation: The use of systems or technology to operate something with minimal or no human intervention.
• Reflex: An automatic and involuntary response to a stimulus.
• Routine: A sequence of actions regularly followed without conscious thought.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• Without conscious thought or effort: Refers to actions taken as a matter of habit or reflex.
  • Example: "He reached for the coffee cup automatically."
• By a machine or mechanism, without human intervention: Describes processes that are pre-programmed or operated by machinery.
  • Example: "The heating system turns on automatically when the temperature drops."