mechanically
gb/mɪkˈænɪkli/ us/mɪkˈænɪkli/
B2
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in an unthinking, automatic way
In a way that is done like a habit, without thinking or feeling, almost like a machine.
Usage pattern:
to [do something] mechanically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning of "mechanically" with the idea of using a machine. In a sentence like "He answered mechanically," it does not mean he used a machine; it means he answered without thinking or feeling. Spelling mistakes such as *"mechanicly"* instead of "mechanically" are also common.
Synonyms
automatically (Often used in both technical and everyday contexts; can mean 'by machine' as well as 'without thinking', while 'mechanically' here focuses on the unfeeling, routine quality.)
Antonyms
thoughtfully (Stresses doing something with care and real attention, instead of in a flat, automatic way.)
Collocations
nod mechanically
|answer mechanically
|smile mechanically
|repeat mechanically
|work mechanically
|respond mechanically
Themes
behavior
|emotions
|work
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She nodded mechanically, not really listening to what he was saying.
- He answered the interview questions mechanically, as if he had memorized them all beforehand.
- After ten years in the job, he greeted customers mechanically, with no real enthusiasm.
- The students copied the text mechanically, without trying to understand its meaning.
- He smiled mechanically for the photo, but his eyes showed that he was exhausted.
Learner examples
- She smiled mechanically and did not look happy.
- He answered the questions mechanically, like a robot.
- The children repeated the words mechanically after the teacher.
- Every morning he gets ready mechanically before work.
adverb
technical
B2
property
2
by means of machines
By using machines or mechanical tools, not by hand.
Usage pattern:
[something] is mechanically [past participle]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this technical sense in everyday speech where "automatically" or "by machine" would sound more natural. Also, they may confuse it with the emotional meaning, for example, thinking "He works mechanically" must mean he uses machines, when it often means he works without feeling.
Synonyms
by machine (A more informal phrase; clearly states that machines, not people, are doing the work.)
Antonyms
manually (Highlights that something is done by hand or by people, not by machines.)
Collocations
mechanically separated meat
|mechanically ventilated patient
|mechanically cooled
|mechanically driven
|mechanically operated
Themes
technology
|science
|engineering
Examples
- In this plant, the chickens are mechanically plucked and cleaned.
- The laboratory samples were mechanically mixed to ensure uniform quality.
- The building is mechanically ventilated to keep the air fresh.
- The doors open mechanically when the train arrives at the platform.
- The grain is mechanically dried before it is stored in the silos.
Learner examples
- The gate opens mechanically when a car comes close.
- In this factory, the meat is cut mechanically.
- The room is mechanically cooled in summer.
- The patient was mechanically ventilated after the operation.
adverb
technical
C1
property
3
in terms of mechanics
When talking about the physical forces and movement in a system, not about other things like chemistry or cost.
Usage pattern:
Mechanically, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in this technical sense, "mechanically" is often used at the start of a sentence (e.g., "Mechanically, the device is simple") to mean "from the mechanical point of view," not "by machine."
Synonyms
in mechanical terms (A slightly longer phrase used in technical writing to introduce a focus on mechanics.)
Collocations
mechanically similar
|mechanically different
|mechanically equivalent
|mechanically coupled
Themes
science
|engineering
|technology
Examples
- Mechanically, the system behaves like a simple spring and mass.
- The two alloys are mechanically similar but very different chemically.
- Mechanically, this design is efficient, but it is difficult to manufacture at scale.
Learner examples
- Mechanically, the bridge is strong.
- The two metals are mechanically different.
- Mechanically, this new model is better than the old one.
Grammar
Dictionary form
mechanically
IPA
GB/mɪkˈænɪkli/
US/mɪkˈænɪkli/
Syllables & stress
mech - an - ic - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (an)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: mechanically
- Plural: mechanicallies
Word family
Forms
mechanicallies
noun
Core family
Advanced or less common
Expressions
mechanically speaking
1/mɪkˈænɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
from a mechanical point of view
Used before a statement to show you are talking only about how something works as a machine or physical system, not about other things.
Examples
- Mechanically speaking, the car is in good shape, but the body is rusty.
- Mechanically speaking, this solution is simple, but it may be hard for users to control.