adverb
automatically
Without deliberate thought or direct human operation.
The hallway lights switch on automatically when someone enters the building.
Etymology
Greek automatos described something acting of itself. Automatically applies that apparent self-action to a process that proceeds without direct human control or to behavior performed without conscious deliberation.
More examples
- She smiled automatically when she recognized his voice.
- The program saves a copy automatically every few minutes.
- Membership does not automatically guarantee a place in the class.
Similar words
- mechanically
- Can emphasize routine behavior without thought or feeling.
- spontaneously
- Suggests arising without prompting rather than following a built-in condition.