mechanical

Definitions

mechan (machine) + -ic + -al (relating to) = 'relating to machines.' That is the literal sense (mechanical engineering, a mechanical fault). But a machine repeats the same motion with no thought or feeling, so the word also describes a person acting that way — a mechanical smile, a mechanical reply. Same word, two registers: about gears, or about going through the motions.

Why It Means This

The two meanings of mechanical are really one idea seen from two angles. A machine does the same thing over and over with no awareness — that is its strength when we talk about engines, and its emptiness when we talk about people. So 'a mechanical fault' (about a real machine) and 'a mechanical apology' (about a person acting like one) come from the same picture: motion without a mind behind it.

Common Collocations

• 1.mechanical engineering机械工程
• 2.mechanical fault机械故障
• 3.mechanical failure机械失灵
• 4.mechanical problem机械问题
• 5.mechanical device机械装置

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The car broke down because of a serious mechanical fault.

• 2.

  She studied mechanical engineering at university.

• 3.

  He gave a mechanical nod, his mind clearly somewhere else.

• 4.

  After years on the line, her movements had become purely mechanical.

Easily Confused

mechanical vs automatic — both can mean 'without thought,' but automatic stresses happening by itself (an automatic reflex), while mechanical stresses being lifeless and rote (a mechanical, soulless performance). A reaction can be automatic and still feel genuine; a mechanical one feels empty.