prompt

1 of 4

verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

prompted; prompting; prompts

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

prompter noun

prompt

2 of 4

adjective (1)

: of or relating to prompting actors

prompt

3 of 4

adjective (2)

1

: being ready and quick to act as occasion demands

2

: performed readily or immediately

prompt assistance

promptness

ˈpräm(p)t-nəs 

ˈprämp-nəs

noun

prompt

4 of 4

noun

plural prompts ˈpräm(p)ts 

ˈprämps

1

[prompt entry 1] : something that prompts : reminder

2

[prompt entry 3] : a limit of time given for payment of an account for goods purchased

also : the contract by which this time is fixed

Synonyms

Verb

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

Adjective (2)

• immediate
• punctual
• speedy
• timely

Choose the Right Synonym for 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 (such 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

Examples of prompt in a Sentence

Verb

Curiosity prompted her to ask a few questions.

Pride prompted his angry response.

The evidence prompted a criminal investigation.

“Did you hear me?” he prompted when his friend did not respond to his first question.

The actor had to be prompted by someone who was standing offstage.

The computer prompted me to type in a number.

Noun

The actor was given a prompt by someone offstage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The 108-year-old company has grappled with several safety problems in recent years, prompting CEOs like United Airlines’ Scott Kirby and Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary to express their concerns about using Boeing aircraft. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 26 Apr. 2024

China’s breakthrough is prompting the Biden administration to plug loopholes in its export control measures, including leaning on allies like the Netherlands, South Korea, and Japan to more aggressively impose and enforce controls on China, reports the Financial Times. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Adjective (2)

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

1784, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prompt

• prompt side

Kids Definition

prompt

1 of 3 verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

1

: to lead to do something

curiosity prompted her to ask the question

2

: to remind of something forgotten or poorly learned

prompt an actor

3

: to be the cause of : inspire

pride prompted the act

prompt

2 of 3 adjective

1

a

: being ready and quick to act

prompt to answer

b

: being on time : punctual

prompt in arriving

2

: done at once : given without delay

prompt assistance

promptly adverb

promptness noun

prompt

3 of 3 noun

: something that prompts : reminder