The word "automatic" is spelled phonetically as /ɔːtəˈmætɪk/. The first syllable, "auto", is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɔː/, as in "awful". The second syllable, "ma", is pronounced with the short vowel sound /æ/, as in "cat". The third syllable, "tic", is pronounced with the long vowel sound /i/, as in "eat". The final syllable, "k", is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, as in "kite". Together, these sounds create the word "automatic", meaning performed or occurring spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention.
Automatic is an adjective that describes something that operates or functions without direct human control. It refers to a process or a device that is self-regulating or self-acting, which performs its functions automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The term is commonly used to describe a mechanism or system that performs tasks in a predetermined and efficient manner.
In the context of machinery or electronics, automatic typically denotes machines that are capable of functioning or operating by themselves, based on predetermined instructions. These devices are designed to respond to certain conditions or triggers and subsequently perform their designated tasks automatically and without external assistance or inputs.
The term automatic also encompasses the concept of automation, which involves the delegation of tasks to machines or systems, thereby minimizing human involvement. Whether it refers to a machine, process, or system, automatic highlights the capability to perform tasks consistently and reliably without requiring continuous human guidance.
Furthermore, automatic can also imply an unconscious or involuntary action or response exhibited by living organisms. In this sense, it pertains to actions or behaviors that occur instinctively or without conscious thought.
In summary, automatic describes the ability of a process, machine, or system to execute tasks independently, without direct human intervention, and with reliability and consistency.
1. Spontaneous, not induced by outside causes. 2. Involuntary or not voluntary, performed unconsciously.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Having power of motion in itself; acting from concealed machinery; self-regulating.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "automatic" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The Greek word "automatos" (αὐτόματος) means "self-moving" or "self-acting". This word is derived from the Greek words "autos" (αὐτός), meaning "self", and "matos" (ματος), meaning "thinking" or "thinking on one's own".
In Latin, the term "automaticus" was formed by combining the Latin prefix "auto-" (meaning self) and the suffix "-maticus" (meaning inclined to or connected with). The Latin word "automatum" also had a similar meaning related to self-movement or self-operation.
The word "automatic" was borrowed into English during the 17th century, with the same meaning of "self-acting".