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

: to move to action : incite

: to assist (one acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned : cue

: to serve as the inciting cause of <evidence prompting an investigation>

— prompt·er noun

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Origin of PROMPT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus prompt

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROMPT

Synonyms: beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, effect, result (in), spawn, translate (into), work, yield

²prompt

adjective

Definition of PROMPT

: of or relating to prompting actors

First Known Use of PROMPT

1784

³prompt

adjective

Definition of PROMPT

: being ready and quick to act as occasion demands

: 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>.