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automático

automatic

adjective ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Manner

Origin: From Greek automatos (self-moving).

Usage Note

Automático describes any process, device, or response that operates without manual intervention: pistola automática (automatic pistol), respuesta automática (automatic reply), cajero automático (ATM — literally 'automatic teller'). The adverb is automáticamente. In everyday speech, en automático (on automatic) is used colloquially in Latin America to mean 'on autopilot, without thinking.'

Examples

"La puerta tiene un sistema de cierre automático."

Natural Translation

The door has an automatic locking system.

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