# prompt

Pronunciation: say "PROMPT" US /pɹɑmpt/, UK /pɹɒmpt/

## Verb

1. To set something in motion or bring it about.
   - Simple: To start something or make it happen.
   - _The shortage prompted an immediate review of supply contracts._
   - _Concerns about safety prompt regular inspections at the plant._
3. To ask a computer user to supply input or perform an action.
   - Simple: To ask a computer user to type something or make a choice.
   - _The installer prompted the user to choose a destination folder._
   - _The system will prompt you whenever a backup is due._
8. To supply an artificial intelligence or language model with text input so that it produces a desired output.
   - Simple: To type words into an AI so it makes something for you.
   - _He prompted the language model to draft three different openings._
   - _Analysts prompt the assistant with clear, structured requests._
6. To help or encourage someone to speak or act, especially by asking a question or suggesting the words they should say.
   - Simple: To help someone speak or act by asking a question or suggesting what to say or do.
   - _The interviewer prompted the witness toward a clearer account._
   - _Skilled tutors prompt learners to reach the answer themselves._
11. To tell or show an actor or speaker the words they should say or the actions they should perform.
   - Simple: To tell an actor or speaker the words or actions they should do.
   - _The prompter quietly prompted the lead through a tricky monologue._
   - _Crew members prompt actors who forget their cues._

## Adjective

2. Done quickly and without delay.
   - Simple: Quick to act, without waiting or delay.
   - _The clinic is known for prompt service._
   - _A prompt apology can defuse a tense situation._
9. Punctual; arriving or done at the scheduled time.
   - Simple: Arriving or happening at the right time.
   - _The committee values members who are prompt and prepared._
   - _Please be prompt, because the meeting starts at nine sharp._

## Noun

7. Text entered into a large language model or image generator to make it produce a desired output.
   - Simple: The words you type to tell an AI what to make or answer.
   - _He tweaked the prompt several times to get the tone he wanted._
   - _A vague prompt to the chatbot usually gets a vague answer._
4. A sequence of characters displayed to show that a computer is ready to receive input.
   - Simple: The mark or symbols on a screen that show a computer is ready for you to type.
   - _The terminal displayed a prompt as soon as the system finished loading._
   - _She entered the command at the prompt and pressed enter._
5. A suggestion offered to an author as inspiration for writing.
   - Simple: An idea or topic given to help a writer start writing.
   - _Her teacher handed out a prompt about overcoming fear._
   - _Each prompt was designed to push young poets in a new direction._
10. A cue fed to an actor by the prompter, consisting of a word, phrase, or line of the script the actor has forgotten.
   - Simple: A word or line told quietly to an actor who forgets what to say.
   - _A whispered prompt from the wings got the show back on track._
   - _The actor missed his line and waited for a prompt._

## Adjective

12. Ready and eager to act. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: Ready and willing to act right away.

## Noun

13. A time limit allowed for payment of an account for produce purchased, with the period varying for different goods. *(dated)*
   - Simple: The set length of time allowed to pay for goods that were bought.

## Other meanings

- (adjective) Closest or nearest in delivery date, as used in futures trading.

## Origin

The adjective comes through Middle English prompte and Middle French prompt from Latin prōmptus ('visible, apparent, evident'), the past participle of prōmō ('to bring out, produce, bring to light'), formed from prō ('forth') plus emō ('to take, acquire'). It is a doublet of pronto. The verb apparently comes from the adjective, and the noun from the verb.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/prompt (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).