What does cybernetically mean?
'Cybernetically' is a technical adverb describing processes that operate according to the principles of cybernetics — the science of control and communication in animals and machines. To say something works cybernetically is to say it regulates itself through feedback: it senses its own output, compares that against a goal, and adjusts accordingly, much as a thermostat holds a room at a set temperature. The word derives from 'cybernetics', coined by mathematician Norbert Wiener in the late 1940s from the Greek 'kybernetes' meaning steersman or governor. It appears chiefly in scholarly contexts such as robotics, systems theory, engineering, and philosophy of mind, where writers describe organisms, machines, or organisations as behaving cybernetically when they monitor and correct their own behaviour. Though uncommon in casual speech, it captures a precise and influential idea: that purposeful action can emerge not from conscious intent but from closed loops of information and correction.
adverbIn a manner relating to cybernetics, the science of control and communication in machines and living organisms; especially by means of automatic feedback and self-regulating systems.
- In a manner governed or regulated by feedback mechanisms characteristic of cybernetic systems; automatically self-regulating.
"The factory's robotic arms adjust their movements cybernetically, correcting errors in real time through continuous feedback."
"The greenhouse regulates its temperature cybernetically, opening vents whenever sensors detect overheating."
"Norbert Wiener argued that both brains and computers can be understood cybernetically, as systems that correct themselves through feedback."
Cybernetics gave us the word 'cyborg' — and 'cybernetically' is how engineers describe machines that steer themselves the way your body keeps its balance without you thinking about it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cybernetically
'Cybernetically' is the adverbial form of 'cybernetic', ultimately derived from the Greek 'kybernetes', meaning helmsman or steersman — the same root that gives us the word 'governor'. The modern term 'cybernetics' was introduced by American mathematician Norbert Wiener in his 1948 book of that name, defining it as the study of control and communication in the animal and the machine. The adjective and adverb forms followed shortly thereafter as the field spread through engineering and biology.
How cybernetically is actually used
A technical, formal adverb used mainly in academic writing on systems theory, robotics, engineering, and philosophy of mind. Rare in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with cybernetically
Electronically refers to operation involving electronics or electronic devices generally, whereas cybernetically specifically implies control via feedback loops and self-regulation as studied in cybernetics.