automatically

automatically — adverb

1. in a way that is performed by a machine, computer, or device on its own, with no

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that is performed by a machine, computer, or device on its own, with no person needing to press a button or operate the controls.

Example

The office lights switch off automatically when nobody walks past the sensor for ten minutes.

verb + automatically (machine subject)

Beatriz's car locks the doors automatically as soon as she pulls onto the highway.

verb + automatically (device action)

Common collocations
  • switch off automatically
  • lock automatically
  • open automatically
  • back up automatically
  • update automatically
Synonyms
  • mechanically

    stresses the machine itself, often the rigid feel of its movement

  • by itself

    more informal; common in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • manually

    by hand or by a person operating controls — the direct opposite for this sense

Usage Note

Subject is usually a machine, device, software, or system, NOT a person. When the subject is a person, sense 2 (without thinking) is meant.

Common Mistakes

I automatically the door' (used as a verb).
The door opens automatically.
'automatically' is an adverb, not a verb; it modifies how the door opens.

2. in a way that a person does something out of habit or instinct, with no real tho

2.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that a person does something out of habit or instinct, with no real thought given to the action — for example, reaching for a seatbelt or saying 'thank you' on autopilot.

Example

Mei reached for her phone automatically the moment her alarm started ringing.

person subject + verb + automatically (habit)

When the teacher walked in, the children stood up automatically and waited for the bell.

automatically + and + second action

Common collocations
  • react automatically
  • respond automatically
  • smile automatically
  • reach automatically
  • flinch automatically
Synonyms
  • instinctively

    stresses an inborn or reflex response rather than a learned habit

  • unconsciously

    stresses lack of awareness; can sound clinical

  • without thinking

    plain everyday paraphrase; useful when 'automatically' feels too formal

Antonyms

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 by the subject: a person doing something on autopilot is sense 2; a machine acting on its own is sense 1. Often appears with verbs of habit or reflex (reach, stand, smile, flinch, apologise).

Common Mistakes

I automatically remember her birthday every year' (suggests no thought at all is needed).
I always remember her birthday automatically
I never have to check the calendar.' — pair with context that shows the action feels effortless.

3. as a sure outcome that follows from a rule, system, or earlier event — meaning t

3.adverbB2
Definition

as a sure outcome that follows from a rule, system, or earlier event — meaning the result is guaranteed by how things work, not by anyone choosing it.

Example

Students who score above ninety automatically qualify for the school's honours programme.

subject + automatically + verb (rule-based outcome)

If you cancel the booking within an hour, your card is refunded automatically.

if-clause + passive automatic outcome

Common collocations
  • automatically qualify
  • automatically become
  • not automatically mean
  • automatically apply
  • automatically receive
Synonyms
Antonyms

Usage Note

Often used with 'qualify, become, get, give, apply, refund' to describe rule-based or procedural outcomes. Frequently appears in negative form ('does not automatically mean...') to push back on a wrong assumption.

Common Mistakes

Winning the regional round automatically you go to the final.
Winning the regional round automatically takes you to the final.
'automatically' modifies a verb; it cannot replace the verb itself.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four describe how an action is carried out, but the angle differs. 'Automatically' is the neutral, everyday choice for machines or systems that act on their own — your phone backs up automatically. 'Mechanically' shifts the focus to the machine itself, and often hints at a stiff or unfeeling quality, so it carries over to people too: 'she nodded mechanically' suggests she felt nothing. 'Manually' is the direct opposite for sense 1 — done by hand, with a person operating the controls: 'you can also adjust the brightness manually.' 'By itself' is the most informal and conversational — 'the door closed by itself' — and is what a child or a casual speaker would naturally say in place of 'automatically'.

automatically ↗mechanically ↗manuallyby itself

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • almost automatically
  • fully automatically
  • completely automatically

Phrases

  • does not automatically mean
  • happen automatically
  • work automatically
  • be done automatically

Prepositions

  • automatically into
  • automatically to

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Formed in English in the early 19th century by adding the adverb suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'automatic'. 'Automatic' itself came from Greek 'automatos', meaning 'acting of itself', built from 'autos' ('self') and a root tied to 'mind' or 'will'. The word entered English through scientific and mechanical writing, first describing self-moving machinery and only later widening to cover habits of the body and rule-driven outcomes.