automatic thinking

noun

UK /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

US /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

Thinking that happens all by itself without you trying.

Tying your shoes becomes automatic thinking after you practice a lot.

SYNONYMS

instinctive thinking reflexive thinking unconscious thinking effortless thinking habitual thinking

RELATED WORDS

intuition habit reflex autopilot subconscious

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Quick judgments your brain makes without stopping to check them.

Automatic thinking made her assume the loud noise was thunder.

3. Fast, easy mental responses that need little effort.

Reading familiar words is automatic thinking for most adults.

4. Decisions made from habit rather than careful thought.

Choosing the same snack every day is automatic thinking.