B2adjective1K

Automatic

UK /["/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/"]/US /["/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/"]/

Definition

having controls that work without needing a person to operate them

In simple words: Something that works by itself without needing help.

Examples

  • automatic doors
  • a **fully automatic** driverless train
  • automatic transmission *(= in a car, etc.)*
  • an automatic rifle *(= one that continues to fire as long as the is pressed)
  • My camera has manual and automatic functions.
  • Breathing is an automatic function of the body.
  • My reaction was automatic.
  • A fine for this offence is automatic.
  • Promotion was almost automatic after two or three years.

Usage notes

Use 'automatic' when describing machines or processes that operate without human intervention. More formal contexts may prefer 'automated', while 'auto' is informal.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'auto' as in 'automobile' — it drives itself!

Collocations

  • be
  • completely
  • fully
  • be
  • almost
  • virtually

Synonyms

  • instinctive

Antonyms

  • manual
  • hand-operated

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'automatically' (adverb) vs. 'automatic' (adjective).
  • Used 'automatic' for situations that require human intervention.
  • Incorrectly using 'automatic' for non-mechanical contexts.