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Meaning & use

prompt

adjective, verb, noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/prɒmpt/
US/prɑːmpt/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Done quickly, with no delay.

    Grammar: Before a noun or after a verb: a prompt reply; be prompt.

    Patterns

    • prompt in doing something
    • prompt reply

    Thank you for your prompt reply.

    The company is prompt in paying its bills.

    Prompt action saved the building.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Arriving or acting exactly on time.

    Grammar: Describes people.

    She is always prompt for meetings.

    Please be prompt; we start at nine.

  3. verbtransitive

    To cause someone to do or say something.

    Grammar: Takes an object: prompt someone to act.

    Patterns

    • prompt someone to do something
    • prompt something

    The news prompted her to call home.

    The question prompted a long debate.

    Her rudeness prompted an apology.

  4. verbtransitive

    To remind a performer of forgotten words.

    Grammar: Takes an object.

    Patterns

    • prompt an actor

    The stage manager prompted the actor.

  5. nouncountable

    A cue, instruction or question that makes someone respond, including text given to an AI system.

    Grammar: Countable.

    Patterns

    • a prompt to do something
    • a prompt for something

    Write a story from this prompt.

    The screen showed a prompt to enter a password.

    The AI answered the prompt clearly.

Word forms

comparativeprompter
superlativepromptest
third person singularprompts
past tenseprompted
-ing formprompting

Common combinations

prompt reply
A prompt reply.
prompt action
Prompt action is needed.
prompt someone to
It prompted him to leave.
writing prompt
A writing prompt.
promptly
She answered promptly.

Synonyms and how they differ

quick
General speed.
swift
More formal; stresses speed.
punctual
Stresses being on time.
trigger
Verb; causes something to start.

Opposites

slowlate

Word family

promptly adverb
quickly or on time
promptness noun
speed in acting

Commonly confused: prompt or prompter?

prompt vs prompter

A prompter is a person who reminds actors of lines.

Practice

The email prompted me ___ call the bank.

Make it your own

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