Automatically — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik/ au·to·mat·ic

Meaning & Definition of Automatically

Automatically (adjective)

  1. largely or wholly involuntary; especially, reflex
  2. acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously
  3. done or produced as if by machine, mechanical

Automatically (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in haphazardly, glancingly

    similar: glancingly, haphazardly, headfirst, headily, hotheadedly, impatiently, impetuously, impulsively, recklessly, thoughtlessly, impromptu, spontaneously, cursorily, hastily, headlong, hotfoot, hurriedly, pell-mell, precipitately, precipitously, rashly, abruptly, suddenly, offhand, offhandedly
    opposite: deliberately, studiedly, calculatingly, circumspectly, designedly, falteringly, haltingly, hesitantly, hesitatingly, tentatively, leisurely, slowly

Related Entry: Automatic (adjective)

Automatic is a different word from Automatically. The synonyms below are for automatic, not for automatically.

  1. done instantly and without conscious thought or decision

    "Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision"

    similar: instinctive, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic, spontaneous
    related: conditioned, natural, Pavlovian, reactive, reflex, simple, subliminal, unconscious, unforced, visceral, blind, inadvertent, unintended, unintentional, unwilling, unwitting, abrupt, quick, ready, sudden, ad-lib, extemporaneous, extempore, impromptu, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unprompted, unreasoned, unrehearsed, unstudied, casual, chance, chancy, haphazard, hasty, hit-or-miss, impetuous, impulsive, mindless, random, rash
    near: calculated, conscious, cultivated, deliberate, designed, intended, intentional, predetermined, prepared, projected, refined, rehearsed, volitional, voluntary, willed, willful, advised, aforethought, careful, considered, foresighted, forethoughtful, measured, meticulous, reasoned, studied, thoughtful

  2. designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor

    "liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner"

    similar: automated, laborsaving, robotic, self-acting, self-operating, self-regulating
    related: mechanical, motorized, nonmanual, computerized, aiding, helping, easing, relieving, time-saving, semiautomatic
    opposite: nonautomated, nonautomatic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Automatically

The most common words with a similar meaning to Automatically:

glancingly, haphazardly, headfirst, headily, hotheadedly, impatiently, impetuously, impulsively, recklessly, thoughtlessly, impromptu, spontaneously, cursorily, hastily, headlong, hotfoot, hurriedly, pell-mell, precipitately, precipitously, rashly, abruptly, suddenly, offhand, offhandedly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Automatically

Words with the opposite meaning of Automatically:

deliberately, studiedly, calculatingly, circumspectly, designedly, falteringly, haltingly, hesitantly, hesitatingly, tentatively, leisurely, slowly

Word Forms of Automatically

Derived words: automatically (adverb), automaticity (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Automatically

borrowed from New Latin automaticus, from Latin automatum "contrivance with a hidden mechanism that appears to operate on its own" (borrowed from Greek autómaton) + -icus -ic:1 automaton

First known use: 1686

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Automatically

Frequently Asked Questions about Automatically

What does "Automatically" mean?

"Automatically" means largely or wholly involuntary; especially, reflex. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: largely or wholly involuntary; especially, reflex.

What is another word for "Automatically"?

Other words for "Automatically" include glancingly, haphazardly, headfirst, headily, hotheadedly, impatiently, impetuously and impulsively. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Automatically" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Automatically"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Automatically". Common alternatives include glancingly, haphazardly, headfirst, headily, hotheadedly, impatiently, impetuously, impulsively, recklessly and thoughtlessly.

What is the opposite of "Automatically"?

Antonyms of "Automatically" include deliberately, studiedly, calculatingly, circumspectly, designedly, falteringly, haltingly and hesitantly.

Is "Automatically" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Automatically" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Automatically" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Automatically" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Automatically"?

"Automatically" is pronounced /ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik/ and divided into syllables as au·to·mat·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Automatically"?

"Automatically" comes from borrowed from New Latin automaticus, from Latin automatum "contrivance with a hidden mechanism that appears to operate on its own" (borrowed from Greek autómaton) + -icus -ic:1 automaton. First known use: 1686.