automatically
automatically
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "automatically" is /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/.
ɔː - as in "awe"
tə - as in "uh"
mæ - as in "mat"
tɪk - as in "tick"
li - as in "lee"
Word Form Variations
"Automatically" is an adverb. Therefore, it does not have variations like singular/plural or different verb tenses. Its primary word form variations are related to its root word and other derived forms:
automatic (adjective, noun)
automate (verb)
automation (noun)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Without conscious thought, intention, or human intervention; acting or occurring in a way that is self-regulating or pre-programmed.
Synonyms: instinctively, robotically, mechanically, autonomously, reflexively, spontaneously, by itself, on its own
Antonyms: manually, intentionally, deliberately, consciously, voluntarily, purposefully, by hand
As a matter of course; necessarily or as a natural consequence.
Synonyms: inherently, naturally, consequently, inevitably, necessarily, by default, as a rule, without question
Antonyms: optionally, conditionally, optionally, subjectively, by choice, by exception
Examples of Use
Books: "The human brain, faced with a problem, doesn't always go for the most logical solution; sometimes it automatically defaults to familiar patterns, even if they're inefficient." (Based on a psychological text, general concept)
Newspapers: "When the city's new smart traffic light system detects congestion, it automatically adjusts signal timing to improve flow." (Report from a local news article, June 2024)
Online Publications: "Many email platforms are designed to automatically filter suspicious messages into a spam folder, protecting users from phishing attempts." (Tech blog post, March 2025)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In many science fiction films, advanced robotic systems are often depicted as performing complex tasks automatically, without direct human command. (Common trope in movies like I, Robot or Wall-E)
Entertainment Platforms (Video Games): "In this role-playing game, your character will automatically pick up minor loot items when you walk over them, saving you time." (Game tutorial text, typically seen in action RPGs like Diablo, 2023)
General Public Discourse: "When I hear that song, I automatically start tapping my foot – it's just so catchy!" (Casual conversation)
General Public Discourse: "After you submit your application online, you'll automatically receive a confirmation email." (Instructions from a customer service representative)
10 Quotes Using Automatically
"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so." (Gore Vidal)
"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously." (Hubert H. Humphrey)
"Self-reform automatically brings about social reform." (Ramana Maharshi)
"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." (Hyman Rickover)
"Every generation inherits a world it never made; and, as it does so, it automatically becomes the trustee of that world for those who come after." (Robert Kennedy)
"If children understand that beliefs should be substantiated with evidence, as opposed to tradition, authority, revelation or faith, they will automatically work out for themselves that they are atheists." (Richard Dawkins)
"Once a novel gets going and I know it is viable, I don't then worry about plot or themes. These things will come in almost automatically because the characters are now pulling the story." (Chinua Achebe)
"If a woman writes about a domestic situation, everyone automatically assumes that it's about her." (Yoko Ono)
"The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency." (Bill Gates)
"When you have learned compassion for yourself, compassion for others is automatic." (Henepola Gunaratana)
Etymology
The word "automatically" comes from the word "automatic," which has a fascinating history rooted in ancient Greek.
Think of "automatic" as something that moves or acts "by itself." That's exactly what the Greek root automatos means: "self-moving" or "self-acting." It's formed from autos, meaning "self," and a part of memai, meaning "to wish eagerly, strive, yearn, desire." So, literally, it's about something that has a "self-desire" to move.
The word "automatical" (an older adjective form of "automatic") started appearing in English around the late 1500s. It was used to describe things that were self-generated or had the power to move on their own.
Then, around the early 1700s, specifically by 1712, the adverb "automatically" popped up. Its first known meaning was "involuntarily" or "unconsciously." So, when something happened "automatically," it was happening without someone consciously choosing to do it, almost like a reflex or something a machine would do on its own.
Over time, as technology advanced, the meaning also broadened to include actions performed by self-operating machines or systems that don't need human help.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Automatically
Automatically assume: To take something for granted without evidence or questioning.
Set to automatically: To configure a system or device to perform an action without manual input.
Comes automatically: Something that happens naturally or without effort.
Fires automatically: Refers to a mechanism that discharges on its own, without external prompting (often in the context of weaponry or alarms).
Automatically generated: Created by a computer program or system rather than by a person.
On autopilot: (Idiom using a synonym for similar effect) Operating without direct human control, often implying a lack of conscious thought.
Goes on its own accord: (Phrase using a synonym for similar effect) Happens by itself, without external force or direction.
By reflex: (Phrase using a synonym for similar effect) An action performed instinctively and without conscious thought.
Hardwired to do something: (Idiom using a synonym for similar effect) To be innately programmed or predisposed to behave in a certain way.
Without thinking twice: (Idiom using a synonym for similar effect) To do something immediately and instinctively, without hesitation.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of automatically from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
