A Prompter Sits Out of Sight and Feeds Actors Their Lines
Prompt means quick, and also to supply a cue. Theatre gave the word a specific role and a specific box.
Prompt means done without delay, and as a verb means to supply a forgotten line. Theatre made it a job: the *prompter* sat in a box at the front of the stage, out of the audience's view, following the script and feeding lines. The Latin *promere* means to bring forth, so prompting is literally bringing words out.
- Done without delay. *A prompt reply.*
- To supply a cue. *Prompt the actor.*
- A cue. *Waiting for a prompt.*
- A computer instruction line. *The command prompt.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | prompt | A prompt response. |
| Verb | prompt | Prompt the speaker. |
| Noun | prompt | A useful prompt. |
| Person | prompter | The theatre prompter. |
| Adverb | promptly | Answered promptly. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The prompter sat in a box.Out of the audience's sight.
- The command prompt awaits input.Computing.
- Prompt payment discounts.Commerce.
Prompt in different fields
- Theatre — the prompter supplies forgotten lines
- Computing — the prompt indicates the system awaits input
- Broadcasting — an autocue or teleprompter displays a script
- Business — prompt payment means without delay
- Education — a writing prompt sets a topic
From Latin *promptus*, brought forth or ready, from *promere*, to produce, from *pro* and *emere*, to take.
Where does a prompter sit?
Traditionally in a low box at the front of the stage, visible to the actors but hidden from the audience.
Why is a computer's input line a prompt?
Because it prompts the user for a command, in the same sense as a theatrical cue.