Automatic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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automatic
[ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk ]
Definitions
vehicle technology
operating independently of human intervention
Synonyms
self-moving, self-operating, self-regulating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| automatic |
Used to describe machines, systems, or devices that operate without human intervention. Common in everyday items and technology.
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| self-operating |
Applied to systems or machinery that function autonomously, usually in industrial or technical contexts.
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| self-regulating |
Refers to systems or machines that adjust their own settings or operation to maintain optimal performance, commonly used in technology and scientific fields.
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| self-moving |
Often refers to machines or devices that can propel themselves without external force, typically used in engineering or robotics.
|
Examples of usage
- automatic doors
- automatic transmission
- automatic parking assist
device
a machine or device that operates automatically
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| automatic |
Used when describing something that operates on its own without human intervention.
|
| device |
General term for an object or piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, often small and electronic.
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| machine |
Used to describe a larger piece of equipment with moving parts that performs tasks, can be mechanical or electronic.
|
| apparatus |
Suitable when referring to a complex piece of equipment with a specific function, often used in technical or scientific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The car has an automatic that shifts gears on its own.
- She bought a new coffee maker with an automatic timer.
grammar
a construction in which the subject of a sentence is the same as its object, as in 'the cat washed itself.'
Synonyms
reflexive construction, reflexive pronoun.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| automatic |
Used to describe something that works by itself without human intervention, often in machinery or technology.
|
| reflexive construction |
Grammatical structure where the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing. Commonly found in language studies and linguistics.
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| reflexive pronoun |
Pronouns like 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', etc., used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'She saw herself in the mirror,' 'herself' is an automatic.'
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Automatic machines were first developed during the Industrial Revolution to increase efficiency in factories.
- Modern cars can use automatic transmissions, allowing them to change gears without driver input, which enhances convenience.
- Smart homes often feature automatic systems for lighting and security that respond to motion or time schedules.
Psychology
- In cognition, automatic processes occur without conscious thought, such as brushing your teeth after breakfast.
- Habits can become automatic, meaning they are performed without requiring significant mental effort or focus.
- Automatic reactions play a role in human behavior, allowing for quick responses to stimuli in our environment.
Pop Culture
- The concept of automation has inspired various films and books, often exploring themes of technology overtaking human tasks.
- In popular music, songs like 'Automatic' by the band 'The Neighbourhood' reflect on themes of routine and mechanization.
- Automatic systems in video games allow characters to perform tasks without player intervention, creating dynamic interactions.
Science
- In robotics, systems are often designed to operate automatically to achieve tasks without human oversight.
- Biological processes in living organisms, like the heart beating, can be seen as automatic bodily functions.
- Automatic feedback loops in ecosystems help maintain balance, with natural processes occurring without external influence.
Origin of 'automatic'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Greek word 'automatos', meaning 'self-moving'.
- The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting the rise of machines that could operate independently.
- The prefix 'auto-' from Greek means 'self,' while '-matic' relates to processes or devices.
The word 'automatic' comes from the Greek word 'automatos,' meaning 'self-acting' or 'self-moving.' It was first used in English in the early 18th century to describe something that operates independently of human control. Over time, the term has expanded to various fields, including technology, devices, and grammar, where it denotes a process or action that occurs automatically or without human intervention.