Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense prompts, present participle prompting, past tense, past participle prompted
1. verb
To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it.
Japan's recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
The need for villagers to control their own destinies has prompted a new plan. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: cause, move, inspire, stimulate More Synonyms of prompt
2. verb
If you prompt someone when they stop speaking, you encourage or help them to continue. If you prompt an actor, you tell them what their next line is when they have forgotten what comes next.
'Go on,' the therapist prompted him. [VERB with quote]
How exactly did he prompt her, Mr Markham? [VERB noun]
Prompt is also a noun.
Her blushes were saved by a prompt from one of her hosts.
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A prompt action is done without any delay.
It is not too late, but prompt action is needed.
...an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment.
Synonyms: immediate, quick, rapid, instant More Synonyms of prompt
4. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you are prompt to do something, you do it without delay or you are not late.
You have been so prompt in carrying out all these commissions.
We didn't worry because they were always so prompt with their rental payment.
More Synonyms of prompt
prompt in British English
(prɒmpt)
adjective
1.
performed or executed without delay
2.
quick or ready to act or respond
adverb
3. informal
punctually
verb
4. (transitive)
to urge (someone to do something)
5.
to remind (an actor, singer, etc) of lines forgotten during a performance
6. (transitive)
to refresh the memory of
7. (transitive)
to give rise to by suggestion
his affairs will prompt discussion
noun
8. business
a.
the time limit allowed for payment of the debt incurred by purchasing goods or services on credit
b.
the contract specifying this time limit
c. Also called: prompt note
a memorandum sent to a purchaser to remind him or her of the time limit and the sum due
9.
the act of prompting
10.
anything that serves to remind
11.
an aid to the operator of a computer in the form of a question or statement that appears on the screen showing that the equipment is ready to proceed and indicating the options available
Derived forms
promptly (ˈpromptly)
adverb
promptness (ˈpromptness)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin promptus evident, from prōmere to produce, from pro-1 + emere to buy
prompt in American English
(prɑmpt)
adjective
1.
quick to act or to do what is required; ready, punctual, etc.
2.
done, spoken, etc. at once or without delay
noun
3. Business
a.
the time limit specified for the payment of an account
b.
the contract in which the due date is specified
4.
an act of prompting; reminder
5. Computing
a message on a video screen that requests the operator to enter information or a command
verb transitive
6.
to urge into action; provoke
7.
to remind (a person) of something he or she has forgotten; specif., to help (an actor,etc. who has forgotten a line) with a cue
8.
to move or inspire by suggestion
9. Computing
to request information with a prompt (sense 5)
SIMILAR WORDS: quick
Derived forms
promptly (ˈpromptly)
adverb
promptness (ˈpromptness)
noun
Word origin
ME prompte < MFr < L promptus, brought forth, at hand, ready, quick < pp. of promere, to bring forth < pro-, forth + emere, to take: see pro-2 & redeem
Examples of 'prompt' in a sentence
prompt
It has prompted claims the government tried to bury bad news.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They tend to prompt actions rather than direct them.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The claims prompted more questions than answers.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The case led to public outrage and prompted the government to launch an inquiry that instructed sumo elders to review training methods.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Go straight to A&E, where you will get prompt tests and treatment.
The Sun (2016)
There were some figures in the West who needed little prompting from the Russians to conclude that all was not as it seemed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We also noted his prompt withdrawal of the image.
The Sun (2014)
The tax system exists because some rich people need prompting to help the poor.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
What prompted the government to cave in before was the total paralysis of the country.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The necessary steps to make that action prompt and effective have been taken.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The rise has prompted fears that economic weakness could be spawning criminal gangs.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Two stories this week will have prompted the same question.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You can see all around you that nobody needs prompting.
The Sun (2014)
This must be followed by the pursuit of definitive diagnosis and prompt treatment of any diseases detected.
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
These are meant to act as prompts for the imagination.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
She said the victim would have died if it were not for the prompt action of paramedics.
The Sun (2009)
The appointment prompted speculation that the board may be looking for a buyout.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
We need to encourage and foster a prompt payment culture as it supports growth and jobs.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This also prompts dramatic changes in the world around you.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
His cry for help is prompted by a linguistic puzzle.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
The scandal has so far prompted three government reviews.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Many are prompted to make their own training arrangements by the lack of opportunities from their employer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The move prompted a rise in the dollar against currencies including the euro and yen.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This prompted the question that he explored through a compelling narrative.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The research was partly prompted by the need to help the war wounded.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But with prompt treatment most people make a full recovery.
The Sun (2010)
The case has prompted accusations that Western organisations are intent on pushing their attitudes on the continent.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
So what's prompting the quick getaway?
The Sun (2010)
The proposals will prompt accusations that voters are being asked to bail out political parties, who have tried to hide their millionaire donors from public scrutiny.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Always prompting from left-back.
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
prompt
British English: prompt /prɒmpt/ ADJECTIVE
A prompt action is done without any delay.
Prompt action is needed.
American English: prompt
Arabic: يُحَفِّز
Brazilian Portuguese: pronto
Chinese: 迅速的
Croatian: pravovremen
Czech: promptní
Danish: øjeblikkelig
Dutch: prompt
European Spanish: pronto rápido
Finnish: pikainen
French: rapide
German: unverzüglich
Greek: ταχύς
Italian: puntuale
Japanese: 即座の
Korean: 즉각적인
Norwegian: rask
Polish: szybki
European Portuguese: pronto
Romanian: rapid
Russian: немедленный
Latin American Spanish: pronto presto, listo
Swedish: omgående
Thai: ทันที
Turkish: çabuk
Ukrainian: миттєвий
Vietnamese: nhanh chóng
British English: prompt VERB
To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it.
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
American English: prompt
Brazilian Portuguese: impelir
Chinese: 促使
European Spanish: empujar a
French: inciter
German: veranlassen
Italian: spingere
Japanese: 促す
Korean: > 자극하다~하도록
European Portuguese: impelir
Latin American Spanish: empujar a
All related terms of 'prompt'
prompt box
a booth where someone sits to remind (an actor, singer , etc) of lines forgotten during a performance
prompt note
performed or executed without delay
prompt side
the side of the stage where the prompter is, usually to the actor's left in Britain and to his or her right in the US
prompt action
Action is doing something for a particular purpose.
opposite prompt
the part of the stage to the right of a performer facing the audience
prompt a backlash
A backlash against a tendency or recent development in society or politics , is a sudden, strong reaction against it.
prompt a reaction
Your reaction to something that has happened or something that you have experienced is what you feel , say , or do because of it.
Chinese translation of 'prompt'
prompt
(prɔmpt)
adj
(= on time) 干(乾)脆的 (gāncuì de)
(= rapid)[action, response]迅速的 (xùnsù de)
n(c)
(Theat)
to give sb a prompt给(給)某人提词(詞) (gěi mǒurén tící)
(Comput) 提示符 (tíshìfú) (个(個), gè)
vt
(= cause)[action, plan]引发(發) (yǐnfā)
(when talking) 提示 (tíshì)
(Theat) 给 ... 提词(詞) (gěi ... tící)
to be prompt to do sth立刻做某事 (lìkè zuò mǒushì)
at 8 o'clock prompt8点(點)整 (bā diǎn zhěng)
to prompt sb to do sth促使某人做某事 (cùshǐ mǒurén zuò mǒushì)
1 (verb)
Definition
to motivate or cause someone to do something
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
Synonyms
cause
I don't want to cause any trouble.
move
The hearings moved me to come up with these suggestions.
inspire
What inspired you to change your name?
stimulate
I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts.
occasion (formal)
The incident occasioned a full-scale parliamentary row.
urge
He urged restraint on the security forces.
spur
His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part.
provoke
His comments have provoked a shocked reaction.
motivate
His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve.
induce
I would do anything to induce them to stay.
evoke
The programme has evoked a storm of protest.
give rise to
elicit
He was hopeful that his request would elicit a positive response.
incite
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
instigate
The violence was instigated by ex-members of the secret police.
impel
I felt impelled to go on speaking.
call forth
Opposites
prevent
,
discourage
,
restrain
,
deter
,
talk out of
2 (verb)
Definition
to refresh the memory of
`What was that you were saying about a guided tour?' he prompted her.
Synonyms
remind
Can you remind me to buy a bottle of milk?
assist
cue
help out
prod
a tactic to prod the government into spending more on education
jog the memory
refresh the memory
1 (adjective)
Definition
done without delay
an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment
Synonyms
immediate
My immediate reaction was one of disgust.
quick
Europe has moved a long way at a quick pace.
rapid
He walked at a rapid pace along Charles Street.
instant
I had taken an instant dislike to her.
timely
These outbreaks are a timely reminder that the disease persists.
early
swift
a swift runner
on time
speedy
We wish Bill a speedy recovery.
instantaneous
His allergic reaction to the cat was instantaneous.
punctual
He's always very punctual. I'll see if he's here yet.
pdq (slang)
unhesitating
Opposites
late
,
slow
,
hesitating
2 (adjective)
Definition
quick to act
I was impressed by the prompt service I received.
Synonyms
quick
The older adults are not as quick in their thinking.
ready
I didn't have a ready answer for this dilemma.
efficient
a highly efficient worker
eager
willing
He had plenty of willing volunteers to help him clear up.
smart
We set off at a smart pace.
alert
He had been spotted by an alert neighbour.
brisk
responsive
expeditious
the efficient and expeditious way in which he has conducted this business
Opposites
slack
,
inefficient
,
inactive
,
unresponsive
,
tardy
,
inattentive
,
remiss
(adverb)
Definition
punctually
(informal)
The invitation specifies eight o'clock prompt.
Synonyms
exactly
He arrived at exactly five o'clock.
sharp
She planned to unlock the store at 8.00 sharp.
promptly
We left the hotel promptly at seven.
on the dot
At nine o'clock on the dot, they arrived.
punctually
My guests arrived punctually at eight.
(noun)
Definition
anything that serves to remind
Her blushes were saved by a prompt from her host.
Synonyms
reminder
They are about to be given a sharp reminder.
hint
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
cue
He took this as his cue to leave.
help
spur
Redundancy is the spur for many to embark on new careers.
stimulus
Falling interest rates could be a stimulus to the economy.
jog
prod
She won't do it without a prod from you.
jolt
One tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alert
Definition
watchful and attentive
He had been spotted by an alert neighbour.
Synonyms
attentive,
careful,
awake,
wary,
vigilant,
perceptive,
watchful,
ready,
on the lookout,
circumspect,
observant,
on guard,
wide-awake,
on your toes,
on the watch,
keeping a weather eye on,
heedful
in the sense of cue
Definition
a signal or reminder
He took this as his cue to leave.
Synonyms
signal,
sign,
nod,
hint,
prompt,
reminder,
suggestion
in the sense of efficient
Definition
working or producing effectively without wasting effort, energy, or money
a highly efficient worker
Synonyms
competent,
able,
professional,
capable,
organized,
productive,
skilful,
adept,
ready,
proficient,
businesslike,
well-organized,
workmanlike
Synonyms of 'prompt'
prompt
Explore 'prompt' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of elicit
Definition
to bring about (a response or reaction)
He was hopeful that his request would elicit a positive response.
Synonyms
bring about,
cause,
derive,
bring out,
evoke,
give rise to,
draw out,
bring forth,
bring to light,
call forth
in the sense of evoke
Definition
to provoke or bring about
The programme has evoked a storm of protest.
Synonyms
arouse,
cause,
excite,
stimulate,
induce,
awaken,
give rise to,
stir up,
rekindle,
summon up
in the sense of expeditious
Definition
done quickly and efficiently
the efficient and expeditious way in which he has conducted this business
Synonyms
quick,
fast,
active,
prompt,
immediate,
rapid,
ready,
alert,
efficient,
instant,
swift,
speedy,
brisk,
hasty,
nimble,
diligent
in the sense of hint
Definition
a suggestion given in an indirect or subtle manner
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
Synonyms
clue,
mention,
suggestion,
implication,
indication,
reminder,
tip-off,
pointer,
allusion,
innuendo,
inkling,
intimation,
insinuation,
word to the wise
in the sense of impel
Definition
to urge or force (a person) to do something
I felt impelled to go on speaking.
Synonyms
force,
move,
compel,
drive,
require,
push,
influence,
urge,
inspire,
prompt,
spur,
stimulate,
motivate,
oblige,
induce,
prod,
constrain,
incite,
instigate,
goad,
actuate
in the sense of incite
Definition
to stir up or provoke to action
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
Synonyms
provoke,
encourage,
drive,
excite,
prompt,
urge,
spur,
stimulate,
set on,
animate,
rouse,
prod,
stir up,
inflame,
instigate,
whip up,
egg on,
goad,
impel,
foment,
put up to,
agitate for or against
in the sense of induce
Definition
to persuade or use influence on
I would do anything to induce them to stay.
Synonyms
persuade,
encourage,
influence,
get,
move,
press,
draw,
convince,
urge,
prompt,
sway,
entice,
coax,
incite,
impel,
talk someone into,
prevail upon,
actuate
in the sense of inspire
Definition
to stimulate (a person) to activity or creativity
What inspired you to change your name?
Synonyms
motivate,
move,
cause,
stimulate,
encourage,
influence,
persuade,
spur,
be responsible for,
animate,
rouse,
instil,
infuse,
hearten,
enliven,
imbue,
spark off,
energize,
galvanize,
gee up,
inspirit,
fire or touch the imagination of
in the sense of instant
Definition
immediate
I had taken an instant dislike to her.
Synonyms
immediate,
prompt,
instantaneous,
direct,
quick,
urgent,
on-the-spot,
split-second
in the sense of instantaneous
Definition
happening at once
His allergic reaction to the cat was instantaneous.
Synonyms
immediate,
prompt,
instant,
direct,
on-the-spot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of instigate
Definition
to cause to happen
The violence was instigated by ex-members of the secret police.
Synonyms
provoke,
start,
encourage,
move,
influence,
prompt,
trigger,
spur,
stimulate,
set off,
initiate,
bring about,
rouse,
prod,
stir up,
get going,
incite,
kick-start,
whip up,
impel,
kindle,
foment,
actuate
in the sense of jolt
Definition
a sudden violent movement
One tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
Synonyms
jerk,
start,
jump,
shake,
bump,
jar,
jog,
lurch,
quiver
in the sense of motivate
Definition
to give a reason or inspiration for a course of action to someone
His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve.
Synonyms
inspire,
drive,
stimulate,
provoke,
lead,
move,
cause,
prompt,
stir,
trigger,
set off,
induce,
arouse,
prod,
get going,
instigate,
impel,
actuate,
give incentive to,
inspirit
in the sense of move
Definition
to cause or prompt to do something
The hearings moved me to come up with these suggestions.
Synonyms
drive,
lead,
cause,
influence,
persuade,
push,
shift,
inspire,
prompt,
stimulate,
motivate,
induce,
shove,
activate,
propel,
rouse,
prod,
incite,
impel,
set going
in the sense of occasion
Definition
to cause, esp. incidentally
The incident occasioned a full-scale parliamentary row.
Synonyms
cause,
begin,
produce,
create,
effect,
lead to,
inspire,
result in,
generate,
prompt,
provoke,
induce,
bring about,
originate,
evoke,
give rise to,
precipitate,
elicit,
incite,
engender
in the sense of on the dot
Definition
at exactly the arranged time
At nine o'clock on the dot, they arrived.
Synonyms
on time,
sharp,
promptly,
precisely,
exactly (informal),
spot on (informal),
bang on,
dead on (informal),
to the minute,
on the button (informal),
on the nail,
punctually
in the sense of prod
Definition
to rouse (someone) to action
a tactic to prod the government into spending more on education
Synonyms
prompt,
move,
urge,
motivate,
spur,
stimulate,
rouse,
stir up,
incite,
egg on,
goad,
impel,
put a bomb under (informal)
in the sense of prod
Definition
a reminder
She won't do it without a prod from you.
Synonyms
prompt,
boost,
signal,
cue,
reminder,
stimulus
in the sense of promptly
We left the hotel promptly at seven.
Synonyms
punctually,
on time,
spot on (informal),
bang on (informal),
on the dot,
on the button (US),
on the nail
in the sense of provoke
Definition
to bring about
His comments have provoked a shocked reaction.
Synonyms
rouse,
cause,
produce,
lead to,
move,
fire,
promote,
occasion (formal),
excite,
inspire,
generate,
prompt,
stir,
stimulate,
motivate,
induce,
bring about,
evoke,
give rise to,
precipitate,
elicit,
inflame,
incite,
instigate,
kindle,
foment,
call forth,
draw forth,
bring on or down
Additional synonyms
in the sense of punctual
Definition
arriving or taking place at an arranged time
He's always very punctual. I'll see if he's here yet.
Synonyms
on time,
timely,
early,
prompt,
strict,
exact,
precise,
in good time,
on the dot,
seasonable
in the sense of punctually
My guests arrived punctually at eight.
Synonyms
promptly,
exactly,
dead on,
sharp,
precisely,
on time,
at the right time,
to the minute,
bag on (time) (informal)
in the sense of rapid
Definition
acting or moving quickly
He walked at a rapid pace along Charles Street.
Synonyms
quick,
fast,
hurried,
swift,
brisk,
hasty,
flying,
pdq (slang)
in the sense of ready
Definition
quick or intelligent
I didn't have a ready answer for this dilemma.
Synonyms
prompt,
smart,
quick,
bright,
sharp,
keen,
acute,
rapid,
alert,
clever,
intelligent,
handy,
apt,
skilful,
astute,
perceptive,
expert,
deft,
resourceful,
adroit,
quick-witted,
dexterous
in the sense of sharp
Definition
exactly
She planned to unlock the store at 8.00 sharp.
Synonyms
promptly,
precisely,
exactly,
on time,
on the dot,
punctually
in the sense of smart
Definition
vigorous or brisk
We set off at a smart pace.
Synonyms
brisk,
quick,
lively,
vigorous,
spirited,
cracking (informal),
spanking,
jaunty
in the sense of speedy
Definition
(of a vehicle) able to travel fast
We wish Bill a speedy recovery.
Synonyms
quick,
fast,
rapid,
swift,
express,
winged,
immediate,
prompt,
fleet,
hurried,
summary,
precipitate,
hasty,
headlong,
quickie (informal),
expeditious,
fleet of foot,
pdq (slang)
in the sense of spur
Definition
to encourage (someone)
His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part.
Synonyms
incite,
drive,
prompt,
press,
urge,
stimulate,
animate,
prod,
prick,
goad,
impel
in the sense of spur
Definition
an incentive to get something done
Redundancy is the spur for many to embark on new careers.
Synonyms
stimulus,
incentive,
impetus,
motive,
impulse,
inducement,
incitement,
kick up the backside (informal)
in the sense of stimulate
Definition
to encourage to start or progress further
I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts.
Synonyms
encourage,
inspire,
prompt,
galvanize,
fire,
fan,
urge,
spur,
provoke,
arouse,
animate,
rouse,
prod,
quicken,
inflame,
incite,
instigate,
goad,
whet,
impel,
foment,
gee up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of stimulus
Definition
something that acts as an incentive to (someone)
Falling interest rates could be a stimulus to the economy.
Synonyms
incentive,
spur,
encouragement,
impetus,
provocation,
inducement,
goad,
incitement,
fillip,
shot in the arm (informal),
clarion call,
geeing-up
in the sense of swift
Definition
moving or able to move quickly
a swift runner
Synonyms
fast,
quick,
rapid,
flying,
express,
winged,
sudden,
fleet,
hurried,
speedy,
spanking,
nimble,
quickie (informal),
nippy (British, informal),
fleet-footed
in the sense of timely
Definition
at the right or an appropriate time
These outbreaks are a timely reminder that the disease persists.
Synonyms
opportune (formal),
appropriate,
well-timed,
prompt,
suitable,
convenient,
at the right time,
judicious,
punctual,
propitious,
seasonable
in the sense of unhesitating
Synonyms
instant,
ready,
immediate,
prompt,
without delay,
instantaneous
in the sense of urge
Definition
to advocate earnestly and persistently
He urged restraint on the security forces.
Synonyms
advocate,
suggest,
recommend,
advise,
back,
support,
champion,
counsel,
insist on,
endorse,
push for
in the sense of willing
Definition
keen and obliging
He had plenty of willing volunteers to help him clear up.