Robot

ˈroʊbɑːt

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonTechnology
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A machine, especially one programmable by a computer, capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.

ˈroʊbɑːt

nounneutralBeginner
Technology

A machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.

The factory uses robots to weld the car parts.

💡 Simply: Imagine a machine that can do things you tell it to, like cleaning your house or building a car! It doesn't need a human to help.

👶 For kids: A robot is a machine that can do things without a person telling it what to do all the time. It's like a toy that can move and do tasks!

More Examples

2

Scientists are developing robots to explore the surface of Mars.

3

The robot vacuum cleans the floors automatically.

How It's Used

Technology

"Industrial robots are used in manufacturing to assemble cars."

Science Fiction

"The novel depicted a future where robots were commonplace in everyday life."

2

To perform a task or behavior in a mechanical, repetitive, or unthinking way.

ˈroʊbɑːt

verbnegativemedium
Technology

To act in a mechanical, repetitive, or unthinking way.

She felt ropotted at her job, repeating the same tasks every day.

💡 Simply: When you act like a robot, you're just doing things the same way over and over, without thinking or feeling much.

👶 For kids: Imagine pretending to be a robot! If you act like a robot you move in the same way over and over again.

More Examples

2

The actor ropotted through the lines, showing no emotion.

3

The students ropotted the answers to the test questions.

How It's Used

Figurative

"He felt like he was being ropotted, doing the same mundane tasks day after day."

Tip:Imagine a person acting like a robot – following instructions without thought.

Idioms & expressions

robot uprising

A hypothetical scenario where robots become conscious and rebel against their human creators.

"The science fiction movie depicted a robot uprising where machines took control of the world."

Coined in 1920 by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), derived from the Czech word 'robota,' meaning 'forced labor' or 'drudgery.'

The word 'robot' gained widespread popularity after the publication of Karel Čapek's play, influencing the development of the concept of artificial beings.

Memory tip

Think of a machine that can do tasks on its own like a tireless worker.

Word Origin

LanguageCzech
Original meaning

"Forced labor/drudgery"

industrial robotrobotic armrobot vacuumintelligent robotrobotics industry

Common misspellings

rowbotrobott

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written