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Robotic: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：machine-like (robotic)
robotic
/rəʊˈbɒt.ɪk/
adj.
Describing movements or actions that are stiff, unnatural, and seem to lack human feeling or flexibility, like a robot.
machine-like
➕
/məˈʃiːnˌlaɪk/
adj.
Refers to movements, actions, or behavior that are stiff, unemotional, and lack the natural fluidity or expressiveness of a human, resembling the motion of a machine.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from 'robot' + '-ic'. 'Robot' originates from Czech 'robota' meaning 'forced labor'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a person named 'Rob' who moves in an 'OTIC' (sounds like automatic) way. Rob is automatic = robotic.
📖 Example
After practicing the dance routine for hours, his tired robotic movements made everyone laugh.
His exhausted, machine-like motions after hours of dance practice were comical to all.
🔗 Collocations
robotic gestures – stiff, unnatural hand or body movements
speak in a robotic tone – to talk with a flat, emotionless voice
robotic efficiency – extremely precise and unwavering performance, often without apparent thought
🔄 Synonyms
mechanical (adj.) – Automatic and lacking in spontaneity or emotion.
stiff (adj.) – Not moving easily or naturally; rigid.
wooden (adj.) – Awkward and stiff in movement or manner.
🚫 Antonyms
fluid (adj.) – Moving or able to move smoothly and gracefully.
expressive (adj.) – Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
natural (adj.) – Having a relaxed and easy manner; not artificial.
🌱 Derivatives
robotically (adv.) – In a manner that resembles a robot; stiffly or automatically.
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'robot' was popularized by Karel Čapek's 1920 sci-fi play 'R.U.R.', where 'roboti' were artificial workers. The adjective 'robotic' later emerged to describe the characteristic stiff, mechanical nature associated with these machines.
Meaning 2：automatized (robotic)
robotic
/rəʊˈbɒt.ɪk/
adj.
Relating to or involving robots, or describing a process that is highly automated, efficient, and precise, like a machine.
automatized
➕
/ˈɔːtəmətaɪzd/
adj.
Pertaining to, involving, or operated by robots; characterized by highly automated, precise, and machine-controlled processes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The factory uses a fully robotic assembly line to build cars with incredible speed and accuracy.
The manufacturing plant operates with a completely automatized production system for constructing vehicles.
🔗 Collocations
robotic arm – a mechanical limb programmed to perform tasks
robotic surgery – surgery performed using a robotic system controlled by a surgeon
robotic technology – the field of engineering and computer science dealing with robot design and application
🔄 Synonyms
automated (adj.) – Operated by machines or computers with little human intervention.
mechanized (adj.) – Equipped with or performed by machinery.
programmed (adj.) – Operated or controlled according to a set of coded instructions.
🚫 Antonyms
manual (adj.) – Operated or done by hand, not automated.
human-operated (adj.) – Controlled or performed directly by a person.
🌱 Derivatives
robotics (n.) – The branch of technology dealing with the design, construction, and operation of robots.
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