'automatic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'automatos,' where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'matos' meant 'thinking' or 'willing.'

'automatos' transformed into the Latin word 'automaticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'automatic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'self-moving or self-acting,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'operating by itself.'