automatic

au-to-mat-ic · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Operating by itself with little or no direct human control.

  2. 2.

    Done or occurring spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention.

  3. 3.

    Following as a necessary consequence.

  4. 4.

    A car with automatic transmission.

  5. 5.

    A firearm that fires continuously while the trigger is held.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    automatic pilot/autopilot — A device or state of operating without conscious control.
  • •
    on automatic — Operating without conscious thought.

Related words

Antonyms: hand-operated, manual
See also: automated, automatically, manual
Synonyms: automated, mechanical, self-operating

Etymology

From Greek automatos ("acting of itself"), from autos ("self") + -matos ("thinking, willing").