Meaning of Word:
Prompt refers to an action, message, or signal that encourages or urges someone to take action or respond quickly. It can also mean to act without delay or hesitation.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- As an adjective: Done or acting quickly without delay (e.g., a prompt reply).
- As a noun: A cue or stimulus that triggers a response or action (e.g., a writing prompt).
- As a verb: To cause someone to take action or remind them to do something (e.g., The alarm prompted her to wake up).
History and Origin:
The word “prompt” originates from the Latin promptus, meaning “brought forth” or “ready.” It passed into Old French as prompt, which carried the meaning of being quick or prepared, and was later adopted into Middle English with similar usage.
Detailed Explanation:
“Prompt” can serve as an adjective, noun, or verb, depending on the context:
- Adjective: Describes timeliness or readiness, such as “prompt service.”
- Noun: Refers to a suggestion or cue that stimulates action, like a writing prompt or stage direction.
- Verb: Means to encourage, urge, or remind someone to act, as in “The teacher prompted the student to answer.”
In computing, a “prompt” is a signal for user input, such as a command line prompt. In writing, it refers to an idea or question designed to inspire creativity.
Example Sentences:
- The teacher gave a prompt response to the student’s question.
- She needed a prompt to start writing her essay.
- The alarm prompted him to get ready for work.
- Her smile prompted him to feel at ease during the meeting.
- The moderator provided a creative prompt for the debate.
- He was prompt in delivering the package on time.
- The customer’s complaint prompted an immediate investigation.
- The actor forgot his line but was helped by a prompt from the prompter.
- The email reminded her of the deadline, acting as a prompt to complete the project.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Cue: A signal or reminder to take action.
- Encourage: To inspire or motivate someone to act.
- Stimulate: To provoke or trigger a response.
- Quick: Acting or done with speed.
- Nudge: A gentle push or reminder to act.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Reminder: A note or signal to help recall something.
- Inspiration: A stimulus to create or act.
- Suggestion: An idea or proposal offered as a prompt.
- Provoke: To incite or stimulate action or emotion.
- Initiative: The ability to begin or act on a prompt.
More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Command: A directive or prompt to take action, often in computing.
- Motivate: To encourage someone to take action, similar to prompting.
- Induce: To lead or persuade someone to act.
- Spur: A stimulus or prompt to action.
- Hint: A subtle prompt or clue.
Antonyms:
- Delay: To postpone or act slowly.
- Discourage: To prevent or deter someone from acting.
- Procrastinate: To delay or postpone action.
- Hinder: To obstruct or make it difficult to act.
- Ignore: To disregard a prompt or stimulus.
