Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Automatically means performing an action without conscious thought or effort. It refers to behaviors or processes that have become automatic through practice or repetition.
Related terms
Habit: A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic. It is a routine action performed without much conscious thought.
A reflex is an involuntary and automatic response to a stimulus. It occurs without conscious control and helps protect our bodies from potential harm.
Unconscious Processing: Unconscious processing refers to mental activities that occur outside of conscious awareness. It includes automatic cognitive processes such as perception, attention, and memory retrieval.