Words / B1

ort-uh-MAT-ikl-ee/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/

Something happens automatically when a machine does it, or when it follows without extra thought: switch off automatically; automatically renew; automatically assume. Automatically is the adverb; automatic is the adjective (an automatic door). By itself and on its own are informal twins for machines. Do not confuse it with autonomously (independently, often of people or robots with their own decisions). In exams, automatically often describes a system, not a person choosing.

Meaning

By a machine or without thinking; as a regular result.

Examples

• “The lights turn off automatically at midnight.”
• “The software updates automatically overnight.”
• “Do not automatically assume the first answer is correct.”

Good to know

Adverb of automatic. Machines: switch off automatically. Thoughtless result: automatically assume. Not autonomously.

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