# automatically

/ˌɔtəˈmætɪkɫi/ (US) · /ˌɔːtəmˈætɪkli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/automatically
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

without needing a person to do anything. You use this when a machine or a process works by itself.

For teachers: by means of a mechanism or process that functions independently of external human intervention.

## Examples

- The lights turn off automatically when you leave the room.
- The software saves your work automatically every five minutes to prevent data loss during a crash.
- While manual overrides are available for emergencies, the system is designed to adjust the pressure automatically based on real-time sensor data.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.