[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/prompt/)

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# prompt

adjective (prompt, prompter, promptest); adverb (promptly; also «at six o'clock prompt», UK); verb (prompt, prompts, prompted, prompting); noun (a prompt, prompts)

«prompt» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Done quickly, without delay; on time. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#m1)
2. (verb) To cause someone to do something or make it happen. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#m2)
3. (verb) To help someone remember words they forgot, as in a play. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#m3)
4. (noun) Words or a sign that help someone remember or start: a writing prompt; also the message on a computer screen asking you to type. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#m4)

### In the lessons

In school, a writing prompt gives an idea to start a story; in a play, a prompter whispers forgotten lines. In everyday life, prompt means on time: be prompt, prompt payment. In computing, a prompt asks for input; people also write prompts for AI tools. Phrases: prompt reply, at 9 prompt, prompted by, without prompting.

### Examples

- Please be prompt: the bus leaves at eight. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x1)
- Thank you for your prompt reply. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x2)
- The teacher gave us a story prompt: «The door was open.» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x3)
- I forgot my line and Mia prompted me. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x4)
- The cold weather prompted us to light the fire. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x5)
- He tidied his room without prompting. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x6)
- The class starts at nine o'clock prompt. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x7)
- Type your name at the prompt. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x8)
- But, prompt as you are, if you fail to answer my three questions, you shall lose your head." [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/#x9)

### Note

Adverb: promptly (arrived promptly). Prompt as an adjective describes people or actions, not things that are early by accident. «At 9 prompt» is mostly UK; the US says «at 9 sharp».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «prompt» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/prompt/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«prompt» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/prompt.html) on Mova free.