Words / B2

PROMPTL-ee/ˈprɒmptli/

Promptly means without delay, or at the arranged time: arrive promptly; promptly at 4 p.m. Prompt is the adjective; immediately can be even faster. Scripts must be in promptly at 4 p.m. Mix-up: proudly; probably (already in the dictionary). Do not write promptly for “when you feel like it”.

Meaning

Without delay; at the arranged time.

Examples

• “Scripts must be in promptly at 4 p.m., exams said.”
• “The firm replied promptly, which is the without-delay sense in the complaint log.”

Good to know

promptly at + time; reply / act promptly. Adjective: prompt. Trap: probably / proudly. Exams, business, and notices. On time, not “soon-ish”.

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