Autopilot Meaning
/ˈɔːtəʊˌpaɪlət/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being.
nounA state of mind where one no longer thinks about doing one's actions, but acts mechanically.
Sentence Examples
He mistook the car's cruise control for autopilot.
Get off of autopilot.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The pilot engaged the ____ to give himself a short rest during the long flight over the ocean.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft's ____ system was engaged during the long transoceanic flight.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewder.? Proto-Indo-European *sóder.? Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewder. Ancient Greek αὖ (aû) Ancient Greek τόν (tón)? Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós) Ancient Greek αὐτο- (auto-) Proto-Indo-European *mn̥tós Proto-Hellenic *mətós Ancient Greek αὐτόμᾰτος (autómătos) Ancient Greek αὐτόμᾰτον (autómăton)der. Classical Latin automatum New Latin automaticusbor. English automaticclip. English auto- English pilot English autopilot From auto- + pilot.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But while the wackiness gets exasperating fast (a running joke about Hazel’s father, played by Ray Romano on autopilot, having a sex doll for a wife is even unfunnier than it sounds), Milioti works overtime to keep us invested."
— 2021 March 31, Benjamin Lee, “Made for Love review – Black Mirror-esque comedy needs an upgrade”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The pilot engaged the ____ to give himself a short rest during the long flight over the ocean.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft's ____ system was engaged during the long transoceanic flight.