prompt

prompt¹ [prɔmpt US pra:mpt] v

[Date: 1300-1400; : Medieval Latin; Origin: promptare, from Latin promptus; PROMPT²]

1.) [T]

to make someone decide to do something

prompt sb to do sth

▪ What prompted you to buy that suit?

2.) [T]

to make people say or do something as a reaction

▪ The decision prompted an outcry among prominent US campaigners.

3.) [T]

to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue

▪ 'I can't decide.' said Beatrice. 'Decide what?' prompted Marlon.

4.) [T]

to ask someone to do something on a computer

▪ A message will appear which will prompt you for certain information.

5.) [I and T]

to remind an actor of the next words in a speech

prompt ²

prompt² adj

[Date: 1300-1400; : Latin; Origin: promptus, from the past participle of promere 'to bring out']

1.) done quickly, immediately, or at the right time

▪ Prompt action must be taken.

▪ Prompt payment is requested.

▪ a prompt response

2.) [not before noun]

someone who is prompt arrives or does something at the right time and is not late

▪ Lunch is at two. Try to be prompt.

>promptness n [U]

prompt ³

prompt³ adv BrE informal

at the time mentioned and no later

American Equivalent: sharp

▪ The bus will leave at 8 o'clock prompt.

prompt ⁴

prompt⁴ n

1.) a word or words said to an actor in a play, to help them remember what to say

2.) a sign on a computer screen which shows that the computer has finished one operation and is ready to begin the next