From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishpromptprompt1 /prɒmpt $ prɑːmpt/ ●●○ W3 verb 1 [transitive]PERSUADE to make someone decide to do somethingprompt somebody to do something What prompted you to buy that suit?2 CAUSE[transitive] to make people say or do something as a reaction The decision prompted an outcry among prominent US campaigners.3 [transitive]REMIND/MAKE somebody REMEMBER to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue ‘I can’t decide, ’ said Beatrice. ‘Decide what?’ prompted Marlon.4 [transitive] to ask someone to do something on a computer A message will appear which will prompt you for certain information.5 [intransitive, transitive]APREMIND/MAKE somebody REMEMBER to remind an actor of the next words in a speech→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
prompt• News of the scandal prompted a Senate investigation.• But even that didn't prompt any bids.• The review was prompted by a spate of jail suicides.• Presence of an osmolal gap should prompt further investigation as to its cause.• That has prompted investors to demand ratings from more issuers of debt and to take the ratings more seriously.• What prompted that remark?• His job is to prompt the actors when they forget their lines.• And he prompted the discovery of the Tramway, so establishing a permanent performing space.• The manager prompts the subordinate to carry out a personal audit.• But strange occurrences prompt them each to wonder whether Xorandor's progeny may not again be interfering with human activities.• Most of the children knew their lines so the director didn't need to prompt very much.• The opening screen will prompt you to create a new connection and give it a name.prompt somebody to do something• What exactly prompted him to call you in the middle of the night?• The decision prompted steel workers to strike.• It was reading his book that prompted me to write to him.promptprompt2 ●●○ adjective 1 FAST/QUICKdone quickly, immediately, or at the right time Prompt action must be taken. Prompt payment is requested. a prompt response2 [not before noun]ON TIME 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 noun [uncountable]Examples from the Corpus
prompt• A major disaster was prevented by the prompt action of the safety officer.• All obedience worth the name Must be prompt and ready.• She always wondered whether better, more prompt care of her hands might have made a difference in the long run.• It is important to ensure prompt delivery of goods that customers order.• A unanimous resolution, backed by a petition with twelve hundred signatures, demanded Outram's prompt dismissal.• If that happens, it is in the industry's interest to seek prompt solutions for its remaining problems.promptprompt3 ●○○ noun [countable] 1 APREMIND/MAKE somebody REMEMBERa word or words said to an actor in a play, to help them remember what to say2 TDa sign on a computer screen which shows that the computer has finished one operation and is ready to begin the nextExamples from the Corpus
prompt• As soon as you enter the number, the cursor returns to the bottom prompt.• The cursor returns to the bottom prompt.• Some of these are selected by prompts on the set-up screen; for example, you can set novice or expert mode.• When you see the "C" prompt, type "WP."• He managed to say the whole speech without a single prompt.• Only the marked files will then be printed or copied at the prompt.• Press Alt-F6, then press Y in response to the prompt Page formats affect the overall appearance of the page.• The prompt will change to Press 1 to preview the entire document or 2 to preview the current page.promptprompt4 adverb British English informal ON TIMEat the time mentioned and no later SYN sharp American English The bus will leave at 8 o'clock prompt.Examples from the Corpus
prompt• Store the shellfish in a covered container and refrigerate them promptly.From Longman Business Dictionarypromptprompt1 /prɒmptprɑːmpt/ adjective done quickly, immediately, or at the right timeWe guarantee prompt delivery of your purchases.Many customers are taking advantage of a 2.5% discount for prompt payment. —promptly adverbAnswer the telephone promptly — within three rings if possible.The prices of certain goods such as agricultural produce respond very promptly to changes in supply and demand. —promptness noun [uncountable]BT responded with great promptness and had two telephone lines and a fax line installed within three days.promptprompt2 noun [countable]COMPUTING a sign on a computer screen which shows that the computer has finished one operation and is ready to begin the nextWhen you see the ‘C’ prompt, type ‘WP’.Origin prompt1 (1300-1400) Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus; → PROMPT2 prompt2 (1300-1400) Latin promptus, from the past participle of promere “to bring out” 