Words / B2

PROMPT/prɒmpt/

To prompt is to cause someone to do or say something; as an adjective, done without delay; as a noun, a cue: prompt an inquiry; a prompt reply; a prompt in the oral. Promptly is the adverb; cause is wider. The leak prompted an inquiry. Mix-up: promote (already in the dictionary); prompt vs immediately as a filler. Do not write prompt for “promote a product”.

Meaning

To cause someone to do or say something; also done without delay (adjective), or a cue (noun).

Examples

• “The leak prompted an inquiry, the editorial said, not a rumour mill.”
• “A prompt start is in the exam instructions, which is the on-time sense.”

Good to know

prompt + action; a prompt reply; a prompt (cue). Adverb: promptly. Trap: promote. News, exams, and orals. Cause to act, on time, or a cue — specify.

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