robots - Master This Word
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robots Word Meanings
- a machine capable of carrying out complex tasks automatically
- a mechanical device that performs human tasks
- an automated system that can simulate human actions
robots Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
robots Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈrəʊbɒt/
US
/ˈroʊbɑt/
robots Word Etymology
The root 'robota' means 'forced labor' in Czech, from 'rob' meaning 'to work'. It originated from Czech → adapted into English in the early 20th century. Imagine a weary worker surrounded by machines, illustrating the idea of labor being done by robots instead.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach out, place my hand on the panel, and push. A small arm inside the housing begins move, first a tentative tremor, then a steady sweep. I feel the gears hum under my fingers, the shift from stillness to action, and I adjust my grip to keep control. Watching the motion, I realize how I can set a routine, letting the robot partner with me on the next task.
Real Context
Robots are machines designed to perform tasks automatically, ranging from simple repetitive motions to complex operations that imitate human actions. The word spans factory automation, service robots, and research systems, and its meaning often depends on context: a robot can be a programmable device, a software-controlled machine, or a fully autonomous system. The term derives from the idea of labor done by machines as a substitute for human work, yet today many people also associate robots with friendly assistance, advanced technology, and debates about employment, safety, and ethics.
Usage Reminders
- Keep 'robot' as a noun; note its collocations and common verbs. Use 'robotic' as an adjective for related ideas. Distinguish it from 'machine' and 'android'. Remember plural is usually 'robots'. Be mindful of context: industrial vs domestic vs autonomous. Consider safety and ethics when discussing advanced robotics.
Common Misconceptions
- Robot = humanoid or resembles a human
- Robots think and feel like people
- All automation is a robot
- Robots replace all human jobs
- Any machine that moves is a robot
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn collocations: robot vacuum, service robot, robotics
- Practice naming types: industrial robot, domestic robot, autonomous robot
- Note differences with 'machine' and 'android'
- Watch real-world videos of robots in action
- Practice verbs: program, operate, control with 'robot'
- Create short dialogues in different settings
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