automatonlike
Definition
- Adjective:
- Resembling the unthinking, mechanical, or repetitive functioning of a machine: Describes a person, action, or process that appears to operate in a rigid, automatic, or emotionless manner, without spontaneity, thought, or feeling.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The workers performed their tasks with an automatonlike precision, moving in perfect sync.
- Her automatonlike responses to the interviewer's questions suggested she was very nervous or had been overly rehearsed.
- The dance routine was executed with automatonlike uniformity, lacking any individual expression.
Advanced Usage
- Used to critique dehumanizing systems: Often employed in social or literary criticism to describe behavior imposed by rigid routines, oppressive institutions, or highly controlled environments.
- The novel depicts a dystopian society where citizens move with an automatonlike obedience to the state.
Variants and Related Words
- Automatic (adj): Operating by itself with little or no direct human control; done without conscious thought.
- He gave an automatic reply.
- Machinelike (adj): Resembling a machine, especially in being efficient, regular, or unemotional.
- machinelike efficiency
- Robotic (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a robot; mechanical, automatic.
- His movements were slow and robotic.
Synonyms
- Mechanical
- Robotic
- Perfunctory (carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection)
- Wooden (stiff and unnatural in manner)
Antonyms
- Spontaneous
- Natural
- Unstudied
- Expressive
Notes on Meaning
The term automatonlike carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of humanity, creativity, warmth, or independent thought. It is stronger than simply "efficient" and suggests a disturbing or pitiable loss of individuality.
Adjective
- resembling the unthinking functioning of a machine
- an automatic `thank you'
- machinelike efficiency
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