mechanically

From mechanical + -ly.

• IPA^(key): /məˈkænɪkli/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: me‧chan‧i‧cal‧ly

mechanically (comparative more mechanically, superlative most mechanically)

1. From a mechanical point of view.

   mechanically speaking

2. In a mechanical manner, mindlessly, thoughtlessly, automatically, without thinking.
   • 1749, [John Cleland], “(Please specify the letter or volume)”, in Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [Fanny Hill], London: […] [Thomas Parker] for G. Fenton [i.e., Fenton and Ralph Griffiths] […], →OCLC:

     My fears, however, made me mechanically close my thighs; but the very touch of his hand insinuated between them, disclosed them and opened a way for the main attack.

   • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 183–184:

     "Of what avail," and her eyes wandered mechanically round, "is all the luxury by which I am surrounded, if it serve only as a barrier to all kindly feelings?"

   • 2025 February 26, Aziz Huq, “Conservatives on the Supreme Court May Not Fully Align With Trump”, in Politico:

     Provided they stick to their legal priors, rather than voting mechanically as Republican appointees, the justices seem likely to split on some of these cases — with real consequences for Trump’s agenda.