automatic

Where does the word "automatic" come from? It comes from Greek automatos, and was adopted directly into English (1700s).

Automatic’s story begins in Greek: automatos meant “acting of its own will.” Literally self-acting, moving of its own accord. It reached English by 1700s as automatic. Settled as the word for machines that operate without direct control. Today, automatic means operating independently of direct human control.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient automatos "acting of its own will", literally self-acting, moving of its own accord.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1700s automatic "operating without direct human control", settled as the word for machines that operate without direct control.