Prompt

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɹɒmpt/
• Rhymes: -É’mpt

Origin

From Middle French prompt, from Latin promptus ("visible, apparent, evident, at hand, prepated, ready, quick, prompt, inclined, disposed"), past participle of promere ("to take or bring out or forth, produce, bring to light"), from pro ("forth, forward") + emere ("to take, acquire, buy").

Full definition of prompt

Adjective

1. (archaic) Ready, willing (to act).
• 1623, William Shakespeare, Antony & Cleopatra, III.8:Tell him, I am prompt To lay my Crowne at's feete, and there to kneele.
2. Quick, acting without delay.He was very prompt at getting a new job.
3. On time, punctual.Be prompt for your appointment.

Derived terms

• promptness

Noun

1. A reminder or cue.
2. (business, dated) A time limit given for payment of an account for produce purchased, this limit varying with different goods.
• John Stuart MillTo cover any probable difference of price which might arise before the expiration of the prompt, which for this article tea is three months.
3. (computing) A symbol that appears on a monitor to indicate that the computer is ready to receive input.I filled in my name where the prompt appeared on the computer screen but my account wasn't recognized.
4. (writing) A suggestion for inspiration given to an author.

Verb

1. To lead someone toward what they should say or do.I prompted him to get a new job.
• 2011, September 2, Phil McNulty, Bulgaria 0-3 England, The only sour note on a virtually perfect night for England came from shameful 'monkey' chanting aimed at Ashley Cole and Ashley Young from a section of Bulgaria's fans which later prompted an official complaint from the Football Association to Uefa.
2. (theater and television) - to show or tell an actor/person the words they should be saying, or actions they should be doing.If he forgets his words I will prompt him.

Synonyms