Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Done or happening without delay; immediate: Describes an action or response that occurs quickly or on time.
   • Ready and willing to act: Describes a person who is prepared and quick to take action.

2. Noun:

   • (Computing) A symbol or message on a screen: A visual cue indicating a computer is ready to receive a command.
   • (Theater) A cue or assistance: Words spoken to remind an actor of their next line.

3. Verb:

   • To cause or incite someone to act: To motivate or encourage someone to do something.
   • To assist a speaker or actor: To remind someone of words they have forgotten, often by whispering or giving a cue.
   • To inspire or give rise to a thought or feeling: To be the cause of an idea or emotion.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • We appreciate your prompt payment. (We appreciate your immediate payment.)
  • She is always prompt for meetings. (She is always on time for meetings.)

• Noun:

  • Type your command at the prompt and press Enter. (Type your command at the on-screen symbol and press Enter.)
  • The actor needed a prompt from the stage manager. (The actor needed a whispered cue from the stage manager.)

• Verb:

  • The news story prompted a public debate. (The news story caused a public debate.)
  • Can you prompt me if I forget my lines? (Can you remind me if I forget my lines?)

Advanced Usage

• "Prompt action": Immediate action taken in response to something.

  • The situation requires prompt action to prevent further damage. (The situation requires immediate action to prevent further damage.)

• "Prompt someone into doing something": To cause someone to take a specific action.

  • His words prompted me into reconsidering my decision. (His words caused me to reconsider my decision.)

• "At the prompt": In computing, a point where the system is waiting for user input.

  • Enter your password at the prompt. (Enter your password when the system shows it is ready.)

Variants and Related Words

• Promptly (adverb): Without delay; immediately.

  • He arrived promptly at 8 AM. (He arrived exactly at 8 AM.)

• Promptness (noun): The quality of being prompt; punctuality.

  • I was impressed by the promptness of their service. (I was impressed by the speed of their service.)

• Prompter (noun): A person who prompts actors in a theater.

  • The prompter sat in the wings with the script. (The person giving cues sat offstage with the script.)

Synonyms

• Adjective: Immediate, quick, punctual, timely.
• Verb: Induce, provoke, inspire, remind, cue.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prompt for: (In computing) To ask for or expect a specific input.
  • The program will prompt for your username. (The program will ask for your username.)

Related Idioms

• "To be prompt on the draw": To be very quick to react or respond. (This idiom uses "prompt" in the sense of speed.)
  • In negotiations, you have to be prompt on the draw. (In negotiations, you have to react very quickly.)

Adjective

1. performed with little or no delay
   • an immediate reply to my letter
   • a prompt reply
   • was quick to respond
   • a straightaway denial
2. ready and willing or quick to act;
   • she is always prompt to help her friends
3. according to schedule or without delay; on time
   • the train is prompt

Noun

1. (computer science) a symbol that appears on the computer screen to indicate that the computer is ready to receive a command
2. a cue given to a performer (usually the beginning of the next line to be spoken)
   • the audience could hear his prompting

Verb

1. assist (somebody acting or reciting) by suggesting the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned
2. serve as the inciting cause of
   • She prompted me to call my relatives
3. give an incentive for action
   • This moved me to sacrifice my career