English · Word Candidate

automatic

/ˌɔː.təˈmæt.ɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: dubious · automatics

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Capable of operating without external control or intervention.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

có thể hoạt động tự động

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Adjective

Examples

The automatic clothes washer was a great labor-saving device.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Done out of habit or without conscious thought.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

làm theo thói quen

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Adjective

Examples

The reaction was automatic: flight!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

A car with an automatic transmission; the transmission itself.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

ô tô có hộp số tự động

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

I never learned to drive a stick. I can only drive an automatic.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

A semi-automatic pistol.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

súng ngắn bán tự động

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

The G-men raiding the speakeasy were equipped with .45 automatics, while the local policemen were carrying revolvers and shotguns.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “automatic” mean?

Capable of operating without external control or intervention.

Is “automatic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.