Mechanical
məˈkænɪkəl
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to, operated by, or concerned with machines or machinery.
məˈkænɪkəl
Relating to machinery or mechanics.
The mechanical design of the robot was quite complex.
💡 Simply: Mechanical means something works because of parts moving, like a clock or a car engine. Think of building blocks that move when you play with them. It's all about the way things are put together and move.
👶 For kids: Something mechanical has parts that move to make it work, like a toy car that runs on batteries.
More Examples
He has a strong interest in mechanical engineering.
The mechanical parts of the clock needed repair.
How It's Used
"The mechanical components of the engine were carefully inspected."
"Mechanical properties of the material are being studied."
Acting or performed automatically, without spontaneity, originality, or apparent emotion.
məˈkænɪkəl
Lacking spontaneity or originality; rigid.
The artist's style has become quite mechanical.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, something can seem 'mechanical,' like when a person is acting in a way that seems routine and without feelings. Think of when you get a canned response to an email - that feels mechanical.
👶 For kids: When something is mechanical, it's like a robot doing the same thing over and over without feeling.
More Examples
The actor delivered the lines in a mechanical way.
The dance steps seemed mechanical and uninspired.
How It's Used
"Her performance felt mechanical and lacked genuine emotion."
"He gave a mechanical reply without any warmth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
mechanical advantage
The ratio of the force produced by a machine to the force applied to it.
"A lever provides significant mechanical advantage."
mechanical pencil
A pencil in which a solid, replaceable core of graphite is advanced mechanically.
"She prefers to write with a mechanical pencil."
From Late Latin *mechanicus*, from Greek *mēkhanikos* ('of machines'), from *mēkhanē* ('machine, contrivance').
The term mechanical has been used since the 17th century to describe things related to machines.
Memory tip
Think of a machine's moving parts - that's mechanical!
Word Origin
"of machines"