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prompt

prompt

4 3.4
A short signal that tells someone to speak or act
  • noun
  • /prɑmpt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : consigna
  • For example, AutoTutor gives hints or question prompts to put the student on course when they are frustrated.
  • a writing prompt
  • an open-ended prompt
  • a teacher's prompt

Anyway, this is a prompt that I really like.

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Examples

  • The teacher provided a prompt to encourage students to share their thoughts.

  • I think that's such a powerful prompt for us humans.

  • Anyway, this is a prompt that I really like.

  • OK, your next prompt is read us the last text exchange you had.

  • Students think about the prompt, discuss with their partners, and share their responses with the class.

    Academic text (2012)
  • I have been doing a journaling prompt for the last couple of months.

  • All right, so here's the prompt with three choices.

  • You will also be getting three journal prompts each week.

  • Each target noun was paired with a picture to serve as a visual prompt during the experiment.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Keep in mind that each open-ended prompt may invite two or more follow-up questions.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

signal
vsprompt
670 2.1

A gesture or sound that tells someone to act

is broader and can be verbal or nonverbal suggestion to act
word
vsprompt
124 7.9

A spoken signal to begin an action

is more general, a cue or suggestion rather than a direct command
urging
vsprompt
23 3.9

A strong request or feeling that pushes someone to act

is a milder cue or suggestion rather than intense pressure to act
spur
vsprompt
15 4.1

A short comment that encourages someone to do something

is broader, any cue or suggestion that encourages speech, writing, or action
prompting
vsprompt
1 3.8

Encouraging someone to do something by suggesting it

is a short cue aiming for immediate speech, writing, or action
spurring
vsprompt
4.6

Words from a coach or friend that encourage someone to try something

is a cue or suggestion that can be verbal or nonverbal
elicitor
vsprompt
  • Specialized
8.1

Something like a picture or question that makes someone react

is a general cue for everyday speech or action, not only research use

Compounds

command prompt
  • Specialized
2 4.2

A line on the screen that shows the computer is ready for you to type a command

A small box at the front of a stage where a person sits to help actors with their lines

prompt box
  • Specialized
3.9

A small text box where you type a question or instruction for an AI assistant

A copy of a play script with notes and cues for the stage

How Direct

instruction
455 1.2
prompt
  • Specialized
4 3.4
to cue
60 3.2
suggestion
759 1.4
hint
229 1.5

Surface Forms

prompt singular
prompts plural

Etymology

The noun prompt comes from old Latin promptus meaning 'ready' or 'at hand'. A prompt is a 'cue' or hint that brings an answer forward, so a prompt helps someone to speak, write, or act.