Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
self-acting

self-acting

6.7
A machine that works automatically without people needing to control it
  • adjective
  • Specialized
translation icon : automático
  • This self-acting mechanism eliminates the need for constant supervision.

Examples

  • The self-acting valve shuts off the water supply in case of an emergency.

  • Early textile mills used self-acting spinning machines to increase efficiency.

  • This device is completely self-acting.

  • The self-acting mechanism simplifies the process.

  • The factory installed a self-acting conveyor belt that sorts packages automatically.

  • With its self-acting features, the washing machine adjusts the cycle based on the load size.

  • The self-acting door opens as soon as it senses someone approaching, ensuring smooth entry.

Synonyms

automatic
vsself-acting
195 3.4

Works by itself with little or no human control

requires no human intervention and not merely minimal human involvement
automated
vsself-acting
74 4.0

Machines or computers run a system instead of people

functions autonomously without needing human direction or machine setup
self-regulating
vsself-acting
2 5.2

Can adjust and control itself without outside help

runs without human input but lacks internal adjustment or control
self-activating
vsself-acting
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A device or system that starts and works by itself without outside help

operates continuously without needing human intervention rather than only starting

Antonyms

manual
101 3.8

Done by hand rather than by a machine

How Automatic

autonomous
51 6.3
self-acting
  • Specialized
6.7
automatic
195 3.4
manual
101 3.8

Surface Forms

self-acting positive

Morphology

self-acting = self + acting (transparent) = self + act + ing

The meaning is directly derivable from 'self' + 'acting' (acting by itself), a clear compound of productive English elements.

Etymology

The word self-acting comes from the parts self 'by itself' and acting 'working'. So it literally means 'working by itself', like a self-driving car or a self-service machine, and that is why it describes something that works automatically without human help.