mechanically

mechanically — adverb

1. done by a machine or machine parts, rather than by hand or by electronic circuit

1.副詞B1
釋義

done by a machine or machine parts, rather than by hand or by electronic circuits — for example, a factory gate that opens through a system of gears and levers, or a kitchen blender that chops food when you press a button.

例句

The factory gates open mechanically whenever a delivery truck approaches the entrance.

Naoko mixes the paint mechanically by pressing the start button on the electric stirrer.

modifies mixes to show machine-aided operation

同義詞
  • by machine

    less formal, used as a phrase rather than a single adverb (e.g. cut by machine)

  • with machinery

    emphasises use of multiple or complex machines rather than a single mechanism

  • power-driven

    focuses on engine or motor power rather than the type of mechanism

反義詞
  • by hand

    done manually without machine assistance

  • manually

    using human effort rather than a machine

文法句型

mechanically + verb (e.g. mechanically open)

verb + mechanically (e.g. runs mechanically)

用法筆記

In this sense, mechanically contrasts with electronically or with purely manual action. A device that works mechanically uses physical moving parts such as gears, springs, levers, or belts rather than computer chips or human effort.

常見錯誤

❌The door opens mechanically when it detects motion.
✅The door opens automatically when it detects motion.
💡'mechanically' refers to physical machine parts (gears, springs); 'automatically' is better for sensor-triggered electronic responses.

2. done as a habit or routine, without paying conscious attention to the task at ha

2.副詞B2
釋義

done as a habit or routine, without paying conscious attention to the task at hand — for example, brushing your teeth while thinking about something else, or nodding along in a meeting you have heard before.

例句

Ramón brushes his teeth mechanically every morning while planning the day ahead.

modifies daily routine to show lack of conscious thought

Padma nodded mechanically as her manager repeated the safety rules for the third time.

同義詞
  • automatically

    can also describe programmed electronic responses; broader in scope than mechanically

  • habitually

    focuses on the force of habit rather than the machine-like quality of the action

  • routinely

    more neutral in tone, emphasising that the action is part of a regular procedure

  • mindlessly

    stronger negative tone, implying carelessness or boredom rather than just habit

反義詞

文法句型

verb + mechanically (e.g. nodded mechanically)

mechanically + verb (e.g. mechanically repeated)

用法筆記

Frequently appears with verbs of daily routine or work tasks. Unlike automatically, which can describe physical reflexes (blinking, pulling away from heat), mechanically describes actions that were learned through repetition and have become so familiar they no longer require conscious effort.

常見錯誤

❌She mechanically blinked when a fly flew past her eye.' (physical reflex)
✅She automatically blinked when a fly flew past her eye.
💡'automatically' fits physical reflexes; 'mechanically' is for learned, practiced actions done out of habit.