Automate vs. Automatize: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 22, 2023
"Automate" means to make a process operate automatically, while "automatize" typically refers to the same concept but is less commonly used.
Key Differences
"Automate" is a verb that describes the process of making an operation or process function automatically, often through the use of technology. "Automatize," while similar in meaning, is less frequently used and can sometimes imply a broader application, including the psychological or habitual aspects of making something automatic.
In usage, "automate" is more prevalent in technological and industrial contexts, indicating the introduction of automatic equipment in a factory or office. "Automatize," although conveying a similar meaning, can occasionally be found in more abstract discussions, like the automatization of a habit or thought process.
"Automate" is typically used in modern English, especially in the context of robotics, software, and manufacturing. "Automatize," on the other hand, can sound slightly archaic or more formal, and it is not as commonly used in everyday language.
The history of the words shows that "automate" evolved directly in relation to technological advancements. "Automatize," while also related to automation, has a broader etymological root that encompasses automatic actions in both machines and living beings.
While both "automate" and "automatize" refer to the concept of making something operate automatically, "automate" is the more contemporary and widely used term, primarily in technical or industrial settings, while "automatize" is less common and can be more abstract.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
More commonly used
Less commonly used
Contextual Preference
Preferred in technological and industrial contexts
Occasionally used in more abstract or formal contexts
Connotation
Directly associated with technology and machinery
Can imply a broader application, including psychological aspects
Historical Usage
Evolved with technological advancements
Broader etymological roots, encompassing automatic actions in all entities
Formality
Common in everyday language
Can sound slightly archaic or formal
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Automate and Automatize Definitions
Automate
To use technology to perform tasks that were once done manually.
Banks automate transaction processing to reduce errors.
Automatize
To make a process operate without manual intervention.
The plant was automatized to increase production.
Automate
To install automatic procedures.
To improve efficiency, they automate their data entry system.
Automatize
To apply automatic methods to a system or process.
They automatize the irrigation system for better water management.
Automate
To make a system or process function without human intervention.
Cars are designed to automate braking in emergencies.
Automatize
To equip with machinery for automatic operation.
The old factory was completely automatized.
Automate
To convert a process to be performed by machines.
The company decided to automate its packaging process.
Automatize
To make a behavior or process become automatic.
Through consistent practice, he automatized his reaction times.
Automate
To operate or control a process by automatic means.
They automate the lights to turn off at midnight.
Automatize
To render an action or process habitual or automatic.
Through training, athletes automatize certain movements.
Automate
To convert to automatic operation
Automate a factory.
Automatize
To make automatic.
Automate
To control or operate by automation.
Automatize
To turn into an automaton.
Automate
To make use of or be converted to automation
A food service that decided to automate for greater efficiency.
Automatize
To make or become automatic.
Student responses are gradually automatized through repetition.
Automate
(ambitransitive) To replace or enhance human labor with machines.
Many offices still need to automate.
We saved time and money by automating the process.
Automatize
To cause to be automated; to automate.
We need to automatize our production facility.
Automate
Make automatic; to change [a process] so that it is mostly automatic; to substitute machinery for human labor in an activity.
Automatize
Same as automate.
Automate
Make automatic or control or operate automatically;
Automatize the production
Automate the movement of the robot
Automatize
Turn into an automaton
Automatize
Make automatic or control or operate automatically;
Automatize the production
Automate the movement of the robot
FAQs
Is "automate" a commonly used term?
Yes, "automate" is commonly used, especially in technological contexts.
Is "automate" suitable for formal writing?
Yes, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Can "automate" be used in a psychological context?
Yes, though it's more common in technological contexts.
Is "automatize" used in everyday language?
It's less frequent in everyday language compared to "automate."
Does "automatize" sound formal or archaic?
It can sound slightly more formal or archaic than "automate."
Can "automatize" imply a psychological aspect?
Yes, it can include psychological or habitual aspects.
Can "automate" be used in non-technical contexts?
Yes, it can be used metaphorically in non-technical contexts.
Can "automatize" refer to mental processes?
Yes, it can refer to making mental processes automatic.
Is "automate" specific to machines and technology?
Primarily, but it can be used metaphorically in other contexts.
Is "automatize" the same as "automate"?
Yes, but "automatize" is less commonly used.
Does "automatize" have a different origin than "automate"?
Its origin encompasses a broader range of automatic actions.
Is "automate" a modern term?
Yes, it's closely tied to modern technological developments.
Can "automatize" be used in technological discussions?
Yes, though "automate" is more commonly used.
Can "automate" refer to habit formation?
It's less common, but can be used metaphorically in that sense.
Can "automatize" be used in industrial settings?
Yes, but "automate" is more prevalent.
Are there contexts where "automate" is preferred over "automatize"?
Yes, especially in modern technological and industrial contexts.
Is "automate" evolving in its usage?
Yes, its usage is evolving with advancements in technology.
Does "automate" have a limited application?
It's mainly used for technological and systematic processes.
Is "automatize" appropriate for casual conversation?
It's less likely to be used in casual conversation compared to "automate".
Do "automate" and "automatize" have different connotations?
Yes, "automatize" can have broader connotations.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
