prompt

adj., adv., v., & n.
—adj.
1 a acting with alacrity; ready. b made, done, etc. readily or at once (a prompt reply).
2 a (of a payment) made forthwith. b (of goods) for immediate delivery and payment.
—adv. punctually (at six o'clock prompt).
—v.tr.
1 (usu. foll. by to, or to + infin.) incite; urge (prompted them to action).
2 a (also absol.) supply a forgotten word, sentence, etc., to (an actor, reciter, etc.). b assist (a hesitating speaker) with a suggestion.
3 give rise to; inspire (a feeling, thought, action, etc.).
—n.
1 a an act of prompting. b a thing said to help the memory of an actor etc. c = PROMPTER 2. d Computing an indication or sign on a VDU screen to show that the system is waiting for input.
2 the time limit for the payment of an account, stated on a prompt note.
Phrases and idioms:
prompt-book a copy of a play for a prompter's use. prompt-box a box in front of the footlights beneath the stage where the prompter sits. prompt-note a note sent to a customer as a reminder of payment due. prompt side the side of the stage where the prompter sits, usu. to the actor's left.
Derivatives:
prompting n. promptitude n. promptly adv. promptness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF prompt or L promptus past part. of promere prompt- produce (as PRO-(1), emere take)