B2adverb2K

Automatically

UK /["/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/"]/US /["/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/"]/

Definition

without needing a person to operate controls

In simple words: happening without needing someone to make it happen

Examples

  • The heating switches off automatically.
  • I turned left automatically without thinking.
  • You will automatically get free dental treatment if you are under 18.

Usage notes

Use 'automatically' when something is done without human intervention. It's neutral, suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but avoid formal texts that prefer more technical terms.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of a robot working automatically — no one is pressing buttons!

Collocations

  • automatically saves
  • automatically generated
  • automatically renew
  • automatically added
  • automatically updates

Synonyms

  • instinctively

Antonyms

  • manually
  • by hand
  • deliberately

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'automatic' which is an adjective
  • Using 'automatically' in contexts requiring manual action
  • Incorrectly placing it in the sentence, thinking it modifies a noun