First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1prompt
verb \ˈpräm(p)t\
: to cause (someone) to do something
: to be the cause of (something)
: to say (something that encourages a person to talk)
Full Definition of PROMPT
transitive verb
1
: to move to action : incite
2
: to assist (one acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned : cue
3
: to serve as the inciting cause of <evidence prompting an investigation>
— prompt·er noun
See prompt defined for English-language learners
See prompt defined for kids
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Origin of PROMPT
Middle English, from Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus prompt
2prompt
adjective
3prompt
adjective
Definition of PROMPT
1
: being ready and quick to act as occasion demands
2
: performed readily or immediately <prompt assistance>
— prompt·ly \ˈpräm(p)t-lē, ˈpräm-plē\ adverb
— prompt·ness \ˈpräm(p)t-nəs, ˈprämp-nəs\ noun
Origin of PROMPT
Middle English, from Latin promptus ready, prompt, from past participle of promere to bring forth, from pro- forth + emere to take — more at redeem
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of PROMPT
quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power <quick reflexes> <a keen quick mind>. prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response <prompt emergency medical care>. ready suggests facility or fluency in response <backed by a pair of ready assistants>. apt stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible <an apt student> <her answer was apt and to the point>.
4prompt
noun
: the lines of a play that are said to an actor who has forgotten them
computers : a message that appears on a computer screen asking the user to do something or to provide information
plural prompts \ˈpräm(p)ts, ˈprämps\
Full Definition of PROMPT
2
[3prompt] : a limit of time given for payment of an account for goods purchased; also : the contract by which this time is fixed
See prompt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PROMPT
circa 1531
PROMPT[3] Defined for Kids
1prompt
verb \ˈprämpt\
prompt·edprompt·ing
Definition of PROMPT for Kids
1
: to lead to do something <Curiosity prompted me to ask the question.>
2
: to be the cause of <The incident prompted an investigation.>
3
: to remind of something forgotten or poorly learned <Sometimes it's necessary to prompt an actor.>
— prompt·er noun
2prompt
adjective
prompt·erprompt·est
Definition of PROMPT for Kids
1
: quick and ready to act <She's always prompt to volunteer.>
2
: being on time : punctual
3
: done at once : given without delay <The patient needed prompt attention.>
— prompt·ly adverb
— prompt·ness noun
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