WordGarden.ioprompt
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈɒmpt/
US
- /ˈprɑmpt/
Meanings
Adjective
done or happening without delay
Verb
to encourage, cue, or remind someone to say or do something
to cause or bring about something
Noun
a cue, question, or reminder that encourages a response
an instruction or on-screen message in software or AI that asks for or guides input
Beyond the definition
A prompt is something that helps start a response, like a gentle nudge that gets things moving. Think of a stage director giving an actor a prompt after they forget a line, or a writer using a writing prompt to begin a story. It can also be the action itself: a quick request or a call for input. For instance, a computer program might prompt you for your password before letting you continue. The key idea is simple: it helps something begin.
The word comes from the Latin promptus, meaning "brought forth" or "ready." So whether it is a question that gets you thinking or a reminder to act, a prompt is meant to bring out a response.
To prompt someone means to encourage them to do or say something, often by providing a cue or a subtle reminder. It's like giving a little push to help someone overcome a moment of hesitation. For example, a teacher might prompt a student who is struggling with an answer by offering a small hint, helping them arrive at the solution on their own. Similarly, a friend might prompt you to share a story you've been holding back by asking an encouraging question.
A prompt can also be the cue itself—the specific word or action that triggers a response. In the world of theater, a prompter sits offstage, ready to provide lines to actors who have hit a mental block. In the classroom or at home, a "writing prompt" serves as a starting point or a theme designed to inspire creative work.
In our modern digital age, the word has taken on a specific technical meaning: it refers to the input or instructions given to an AI model, such as ChatGPT. You provide a prompt, and the AI generates a response based on that specific request. ("Write a travel itinerary for Japan" is a prompt.)
Furthermore, "prompt" functions as an adjective meaning "done without delay." A "prompt reply" is a quick one, and being "prompt" for a meeting means you arrived exactly on time. While we often focus on the "cueing" aspect of the word, this sense of readiness and speed remains a vital part of its identity. Whether it's initiating a conversation, guiding an AI, or simply being punctual, prompt is all about moving things forward with purpose and speed.
Examples
- 1
Time
Please be prompt; the meeting starts at nine.
- 2
Reply
Thank you for your prompt reply.
- 3
Policy response
The accident prompted new safety rules.
- 4
Mental reaction
Her question prompted me to think about the problem differently.
- Patternprompt someone to do something
make someone decide to do it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Line reminder
If I forget my line, just prompt me quietly.
- 6
No reminder
She apologized without prompting.
- Phrasewithout prompting
without being asked or reminded
- 7
Theater cue
The actor waited for a prompt from someone offstage.
- 8
Writing idea
Use the photo as a prompt for a short story.
- Patterna prompt for + task
an idea or question that helps you start
- 9
Computer input
Enter your password at the prompt.
- 10
AI instructions
I rewrote the prompt to get a clearer answer from the AI tool.
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- promptnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- promptedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun
- prompting-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- promptspluralnounverbadjective
- promptercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- promptestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun