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Automatic vs. automated: what’s the difference?

The short answer

The word automatic often describes something that operates independently by virtue of its design, whereas automated often implies that a process has been converted from a manual to a machine-driven operation.

What they have in common

Both words relate to the concept of a process or operation being carried out with little to no human intervention.

Examples

automatic

  • The automatic door opened as we approached.
  • He has an automatic response to that question.
  • The car comes with an automatic transmission.

automated

  • The factory uses automated machines to assemble the products.
  • Their automated system sends out reminders for appointments.
  • We implemented an automated process for handling requests.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for “automatic” and “automated”

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