Spanish Conversation · Level 63
76 words
Spanish word
automatismo
Pronunciation
IPA/awtomaˈtismo/
Meaning
- masculine nounautomatic reaction
Example
Sin pensarlo, por automatismo, dije la respuesta.
Without thinking, as an automatic reaction, I said the answer.
More examples
Apagué el despertador por automatismo y volví a dormir.
I turned off the alarm without thinking and went back to sleep.
Core concept
Unthinking reflexive action.
Common phrases
apagar el despertador por automatismo
turn off the alarm without thinking
cerrar los ojos por automatismo
close one's eyes without thinking
Similar words
hábito: Forms a learned pattern of behavior performed regularly through repetition.
reacción: Arises as a response to an event, remark, or external stimulus.
impulso: Drives a sudden, often brief action prompted by an internal urge.
rutina: Consists of a regular, set sequence of actions carried out routinely.
Definition in Spanish
Acción automática que se realiza sin pensar, propia de hábitos o respuestas reflejas.
Word origin
From Greek automatos meaning 'self-moving', passed through medieval Latin into Spanish and formed into a noun with -ismo to name actions that arise from habit or reflex.
Usage tips
- Spanish often pairs automatismo with por to give a brief explanation for doing something without thinking, as in 'Lo hice por automatismo'.