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. )

Explanation

Something that happens automatically happens in a mechanical way without a person having to do anything extra. If you walk through a door that swings open by itself, it opened automatically. When something is done automatically, it does it on its own, like a spellchecker that corrects your spelling automatically. In a crash, a car's airbag automatically fills with air. Many computers automatically go into rest mode (to save energy) if you don't touch them for a few seconds. Automatically can also refer to how you do something without thinking about it, like if you automatically walk into your old apartment and startle the new tenants.

Example Sentences

Fans will be automatically rolled over into future lotteries until they’ve reached the maximum 12 general tickets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“Now, to be clear, this nonconfirmation does not automatically mean that stocks are ‘wrong’ and oil/Treasurys are ‘right.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Last July, the university said it would automatically give raises to employees to among its lowest paid workers, bringing them to $25 per hour or a 5% wage increase — whichever was higher.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Across the displays—a curved monitor spanning 49 inches, and a small touchscreen below—were tabs for Kalshi’s prediction markets, Discord chats, a tool that automatically refreshed his social-media feeds and a live news telecast.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

“Why should I?” she said stiffly, her hand automatically drifting to its weight in her pocket.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

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