prompt
Use Prompt in a sentence
adjective
1.
done, performed, delivered, etc., at once or without delay: a prompt reply.
2.
ready in action; quick to act as occasion demands.
3.
quick or alert: prompt to take offense.
4.
verb (used with object)
5.
to move or induce to action: What prompted you to say that?
6.
to occasion or incite; inspire: What prompted his resignation?
7.
to assist (a person speaking) by suggesting something to be said.
8.
Theater. to supply (an actor, singer, etc.) from offstage with a missed cue or forgotten line.
00:10
Prompt
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
| chat, to converse |
verb (used without object)
9.
Theater. to supply forgotten lines, lyrics, or the like to an actor, singer, etc.
noun
Idioms 10.
Commerce.
a.
a limit of time given for payment for merchandise purchased, the limit being stated on a note of reminder (prompt note)
b.
the contract setting the time limit.
11.
the act of prompting.
12.
something serving to suggest or remind.
13.
Computers. a message or symbol from a computer system to a user, generally appearing on a display screen, requesting more information or indicating that the system is ready for user instructions.
14.
take a prompt, (in acting) to move or speak in response to a cue.
Origin:
1300–50; (v.) Middle English < Medieval Latin prōmptāre to incite, Latin: to distribute, frequentative of prōmere to bring out, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + (e)mere to take, buy; (adj.) late Middle English < Latin promptus ready, prompt, special use of past participle of prōmere
1300–50; (v.) Middle English < Medieval Latin prōmptāre to incite, Latin: to distribute, frequentative of prōmere to bring out, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + (e)mere to take, buy; (adj.) late Middle English < Latin promptus ready, prompt, special use of past participle of prōmere
Related forms
prompt·ly, adverb
prompt·ness, noun
o·ver·prompt, adjective
o·ver·prompt·ly, adverb
o·ver·prompt·ness, noun
qua·si-prompt, adjective
qua·si-prompt·ly, adverb
un·prompt, adjective
un·prompt·ly, adverb
un·prompt·ness, noun
un·prompt·ed, adjective
Synonyms
5. urge, spur, instigate, impel.
5. urge, spur, instigate, impel.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To prompt
Collins
World English Dictionary
prompt (prɒmpt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | performed or executed without delay |
| 2. | quick or ready to act or respond |
| —adv | |
| 3. | informal punctually |
| —vb | |
| 4. | (tr) to urge (someone to do something) |
| 5. | to remind (an actor, singer, etc) of lines forgotten during a performance |
| 6. | (tr) to refresh the memory of |
| 7. | (tr) to give rise to by suggestion: his affairs will prompt discussion |
| —n | |
| 8. | commerce |
| a. the time limit allowed for payment of the debt incurred by purchasing goods or services on credit | |
| b. the contract specifying this time limit | |
| c. Also called: prompt note a memorandum sent to a purchaser to remind him of the time limit and the sum due | |
| 9. | the act of prompting |
| 10. | anything that serves to remind |
| 11. | an aid to the operator of a computer in the form of a question or statement that appears on the screen showing that the equipment is ready to proceed and indicating the options available |
| [C15: from Latin promptus evident, from prōmere to produce, from | |
| 'promptly | |
| —adv | |
| 'promptness | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
prompt
mid-14c., from O.Fr. prompt (early 13c.), from L. promptus "brought forth, at hand, ready, quick," prop. pp. of promere "to bring forth," from pro- "forward" + emere "to take" (see exempt). Theatrical sense of "to assist a speaker with lines" is first recorded early 15c.
The adj. is first recorded early 15c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
We welcome comments that respond to that question or prompt.
Prompt treatment of increased intracranial pressure and related disorders may reduce the risk of brain herniation.
Sure, this could prompt change, but we're not banking on it.
She is especially interested in the cultural conditions that prompt infectious diseases to emerge, return or get worse.
Nearby Words
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