automatic
English meaning: Automatic
Definition
A car with automatic transmission.
Example
“I never learned to drive a stick. I can only drive an automatic.”
Another example: “Blinking is an automatic response that we rarely notice.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Common as an adjective (automatic transmission, automatic response) meaning self-acting or done without thought, and as a noun (an automatic = a car or firearm of that type). Register ranges from technical to everyday. Contrasts with 'manual'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'automatos' (self-acting, self-moving), from 'autos' (self); entered English via Modern Latin in the 18th century.
Synonyms
- involuntary
- reflexive
- reflex
- automated
- automatonlike
- automatic rifle
- self-acting
- semiautomatic
- self-regulating
- self-loading
Antonyms / Opposites
- manual
- deliberate
- conscious
Related Words
- transmission
- gearbox
- grenade
- overdrive
- berth
- bid
- bids
- manual
- converter
- launcher
Common Collocations
- automatic transmission
- automatic response
- fully automatic
- automatic doors
- automatic update
- semi-automatic
Word Forms
automatic (adj/n); automatics (pl.); automatically (adv); automate (v)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B