Is robot a formal or informal word?

It is a common neutral word. You can use it in both everyday speech and business writing.

What is the difference between a robot and a machine?

A machine is any tool with moving parts or power. A robot is a machine that can work more independently.

Can robot mean a person who acts without thinking?

Yes, in informal English, it can describe someone who seems stiff or automatic.

← Dictionary

robot

/ˈrəʊ.bɒt/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A robot is a machine that can do tasks by itself or with some computer control. It often looks like a person, but it can also be a simple machine used in factories.

The robot sorted the packages quickly.
A robot can work without getting tired.
Factories use robots for heavy jobs.

Adinary Nuance

A robot is a machine, not a person. It is more specific than "machine" because it can act with some control or automation. It is different from "android", which usually means a robot shaped like a human. In modern speech, people also use "robot" for devices that seem automatic or rigid.

In other languages

Vietnamese: robot
Spanish: robot
Chinese: 机器人
Japanese: ロボット
Korean: 로봇

Etymology

Robot came into English from Czech in the early 1900s. It was popularized by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in a 1920 play, where it meant a forced worker.

Common phrases

robot armrobot vacuumindustrial robotservice robot

Synonyms

android automaton machine

Frequently asked questions

Is robot a formal or informal word?: It is a common neutral word. You can use it in both everyday speech and business writing.
What is the difference between a robot and a machine?: A machine is any tool with moving parts or power. A robot is a machine that can work more independently.
Can robot mean a person who acts without thinking?: Yes, in informal English, it can describe someone who seems stiff or automatic.