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B1 adjective #1,800 가장 일반적인 7분 분량

prompt

상위 1,800

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 prompt 30초 만에

설명 prompt in your Level:

At the A1 level, prompt is a word that means doing something quickly or on time. It is like the word 'fast' but usually used for answering or arriving. If your teacher says 'be prompt', it means 'do not be late'. It is a good word to know for simple instructions. You might see it in a letter or an email. It means you should not wait to do something. For example, a prompt reply means you write back quickly. It is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. It is very useful for everyday life. You will hear it when people talk about time. Being prompt is a good thing. It shows you care about other people's time. Remember, prompt means quick and not late. It is easy to use in simple sentences. Just put it before the noun, like 'prompt action'.

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At the A2 level, understanding prompt helps you communicate better in daily situations. Prompt means acting without delay or arriving exactly at the correct time. It is very similar to being punctual or quick. You will often see this word in customer service or business. For example, if you buy something online, you want 'prompt delivery'. This means the package arrives quickly. If you send a message to a friend, you might hope for a 'prompt reply'. It is an adjective that describes how fast an action happens. It is important not to confuse it with physical speed, like a fast car. Instead, it is about time management. Using prompt makes your English sound more polite and professional. It is a great word to use when you want to thank someone for not making you wait. Practice using it with words like reply, payment, and service.

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At the B1 level, the adjective prompt becomes a key vocabulary word for professional and formal communication. It describes an action that is performed without delay, or a person who is reliably on time. Unlike 'fast', which can describe physical speed, 'prompt' specifically relates to time efficiency and punctuality. For instance, 'prompt payment' means paying a bill exactly when it is due, without making the receiver wait. In business emails, 'Thank you for your prompt reply' is a standard phrase that shows appreciation for a quick response. It demonstrates respect for schedules and deadlines. You can also use it predicatively, as in 'She is always prompt for meetings'. Understanding the nuance between prompt, punctual, and immediate is important at this stage. Prompt implies a reasonable and expected quickness, making it highly versatile in workplace and customer service contexts.

At the B2 level, your grasp of prompt should extend to its nuanced application in various professional and academic registers. As an adjective, prompt conveys a sense of readiness, efficiency, and strict adherence to schedules. It is frequently employed in formal correspondence, legal documents, and performance evaluations. A B2 learner should comfortably use collocations such as 'prompt action', 'prompt attention', and 'prompt resolution'. You should also recognize the subtle difference between 'prompt' and its synonyms. While 'punctual' strictly refers to arriving at a scheduled time, 'prompt' encompasses both arriving on time and executing tasks without unnecessary delay. Furthermore, you should be adept at distinguishing the adjective form from the adverb 'promptly', ensuring grammatical accuracy in complex sentences. Mastery of this word allows you to articulate expectations regarding time management clearly and politely, which is crucial for effective communication in an English-speaking professional environment.

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At the C1 level, the use of prompt reflects a sophisticated command of English pragmatics, particularly in formal, corporate, and legal contexts. The adjective prompt is utilized to demand or acknowledge efficiency with a tone of professional courtesy. It implies not just speed, but a conscientious adherence to expected timelines and protocols. Advanced learners should effortlessly integrate phrases like 'prompt and effective measures' or 'prompt dispatch' into their active vocabulary. Additionally, understanding the etymological roots—from Latin 'promptus' meaning ready or visible—can deepen your appreciation of its usage. At this level, you should also be aware of how 'prompt' functions in contrast to 'expeditious' or 'instantaneous', choosing the exact word that fits the desired tone. The ability to use 'prompt' accurately in high-stakes communication, such as negotiating terms or managing crises, demonstrates a high level of fluency and cultural awareness regarding time management in Anglophone business cultures.

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At the C2 level, the adjective prompt is wielded with absolute precision, reflecting a native-like mastery of nuance and register. It is employed not merely to describe speed, but to convey an implicit standard of professional excellence and reliability. In highly formal discourse, such as diplomatic correspondence, legal contracts, or academic critique, 'prompt' serves to establish clear expectations without resorting to overly aggressive language. The C2 user intuitively understands the rhythmic and rhetorical impact of collocations like 'prompt compliance' or 'prompt remediation'. Furthermore, the advanced user navigates the subtle interplay between the adjective 'prompt' and its noun and verb counterparts, seamlessly shifting between them to achieve optimal sentence flow. The word is understood as a marker of conscientiousness, embedding a moral or ethical dimension into the concept of time management. Mastery at this level involves leveraging 'prompt' to construct elegant, persuasive, and authoritative arguments regarding efficiency and duty.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

prompt 30초 만에

Means done without delay.
Often used for replies.
Shows professional respect.
Synonym for punctual.

The adjective prompt describes an action, response, or person that is characterized by being quick, immediate, and done without any unnecessary delay. When you are prompt, you arrive on time or complete a task exactly when it is expected. In professional and academic environments, being prompt is highly valued as it demonstrates reliability, respect for others' time, and efficiency. The concept of promptness extends beyond just physical arrival; it applies heavily to communication, such as emails, letters, and phone calls. A prompt reply indicates that the sender prioritizes the correspondence.

Core Meaning: Acting without delay or hesitation.

Time Context: Occurring exactly at the scheduled time.

Behavioral Context: Showing readiness and eagerness to act.

We appreciate your prompt response to this urgent matter.

The fire department made a prompt arrival at the scene.

She is always prompt for her morning meetings.

A prompt decision is required to save the project.

His prompt action prevented further damage.

Understanding the nuances of promptness helps in mastering English pragmatics, especially in formal registers where time management is implicitly communicated through vocabulary choices. The etymology traces back to Latin 'promptus', meaning brought forth or visible, which evolved to mean ready or quick. This historical context enriches the modern usage, embedding a sense of readiness and visibility into the act of being on time. Whether you are describing a quick delivery, a fast reply, or a punctual person, 'prompt' serves as a versatile and essential adjective in the B1 learner's toolkit.

Using the adjective prompt correctly involves understanding its typical collocations and grammatical positions. It is most frequently used attributively, meaning it comes directly before the noun it modifies, such as in 'prompt reply', 'prompt payment', or 'prompt action'. However, it can also be used predicatively, following a linking verb, as in 'She was prompt'. When used predicatively, it often describes a person's punctuality.

Attributive Use: Placed before a noun (e.g., prompt service).

Predicative Use: Placed after a linking verb (e.g., The staff is prompt).

Adverbial Form: Promptly is the adverb form used to modify verbs.

The restaurant is known for its prompt service.

Please be prompt for the interview tomorrow.

They offered a prompt refund for the damaged goods.

A prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

It is important to note that while 'fast' and 'quick' are synonyms, 'prompt' carries a specific connotation of punctuality and reliability that the others lack. For instance, a 'fast reply' might just mean it was typed quickly, whereas a 'prompt reply' means it was sent without undue delay, respecting the sender's timeline. This subtle distinction makes 'prompt' the preferred choice in formal and professional contexts. Mastery of this word involves recognizing these collocations and applying them appropriately in written and spoken English.

The adjective prompt is ubiquitous in both professional and everyday contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal or business English. You will frequently encounter it in customer service interactions, workplace communications, and formal invitations. In customer service, companies often boast about their 'prompt service' or 'prompt delivery' to attract customers who value efficiency. In the workplace, managers expect 'prompt attendance' and 'prompt completion' of tasks.

Business Emails: Commonly used to request or thank someone for a quick response.

Customer Service: Used to describe fast and efficient support or delivery.

Medical Settings: Used to emphasize the need for immediate care or diagnosis.

The airline apologized for the lack of prompt communication during the delay.

Patients are advised to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen.

The invitation requested a prompt RSVP by Friday.

Our team guarantees prompt resolution of all technical issues.

She received a prompt warning about the impending storm.

Furthermore, you might hear it in educational settings where teachers remind students to be prompt for class. The versatility of the word allows it to seamlessly transition from describing a person's punctuality to characterizing the speed of an abstract process, like a payment or a decision. Recognizing the contexts where 'prompt' is favored over 'quick' or 'fast' is a key step in developing a more natural and sophisticated English vocabulary.

Learners often make a few specific errors when using the adjective prompt. The most common mistake is confusing the adjective form with the adverb form, 'promptly'. For example, saying 'He replied prompt' instead of 'He replied promptly'. Another frequent error is using 'prompt' when 'fast' or 'quick' would be more appropriate, such as describing the physical speed of a vehicle (e.g., 'a prompt car' is incorrect; it should be 'a fast car').

Adjective vs Adverb: Use prompt for nouns, promptly for verbs.

Physical Speed: Do not use prompt to describe physical velocity.

Verb Confusion: Ensure context clarifies if prompt is used as an adjective or verb.

Incorrect: He runs prompt. Correct: He runs fast.

Incorrect: She answered the phone prompt. Correct: She answered the phone promptly.

Incorrect: We need a promptly response. Correct: We need a prompt response.

Incorrect: The train is very prompt today. Correct: The train is on time today. (Though prompt can be understood, 'on time' is more natural for transport).

Incorrect: Have a prompt meal. Correct: Have a quick meal.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls, learners can significantly improve their accuracy. Remember that 'prompt' is about the timing of an action's initiation or completion, not the physical speed at which the action is performed. This distinction is vital for achieving a native-like grasp of the vocabulary.

Several words share similar meanings with prompt, but each carries its own subtle nuance. Understanding these synonyms and how they differ from prompt is essential for precise communication. Words like 'quick', 'fast', 'punctual', 'immediate', and 'swift' are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct applications.

Punctual: Specifically relates to arriving at the agreed time, mostly used for people.

Immediate: Implies zero delay, happening right this exact second.

Quick: A general term for fast speed or short duration.

While he is a punctual employee, his work is not always prompt.

The emergency requires an immediate response, not just a prompt one.

She took a quick shower before the prompt meeting.

The swift current made the river dangerous.

We need a rapid deployment of resources.

Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the context. If you are praising someone for always arriving at 9:00 AM, 'punctual' is best. If you are thanking someone for replying to an email within an hour, 'prompt' is ideal. If a situation is life-threatening, 'immediate' is the necessary word. Expanding your vocabulary to include these distinctions will elevate your English proficiency from intermediate to advanced.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Adjective placement before nouns.

Adjective vs. Adverb usage (prompt vs. promptly).

Using linking verbs with adjectives (is prompt).

Comparative and superlative forms of one-syllable adjectives.

Prepositions following adjectives (prompt in doing something).

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수준별 예문

Please give a prompt reply.

Quick answer

Adjective before noun.

He is always prompt.

Always on time

Adjective after linking verb.

I need a prompt answer.

Fast response

Modifies answer.

The prompt bus arrived.

On-time bus

Modifies bus.

Be prompt for class.

Don't be late

Used with preposition for.

Thank you for the prompt help.

Quick assistance

Modifies help.

She gave a prompt smile.

Quick smile

Modifies smile.

We want prompt service.

Fast service

Modifies service.

The company promises prompt delivery of all packages.

Fast shipping

Collocation: prompt delivery.

Please make a prompt payment to avoid extra fees.

Pay on time

Collocation: prompt payment.

Her prompt action saved the cat from the tree.

Quick movement

Modifies action.

We expect a prompt arrival at the train station.

Arriving on time

Modifies arrival.

A prompt decision is needed today.

Fast choice

Modifies decision.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this email.

Quick focus

Collocation: prompt attention.

The doctor gave a prompt diagnosis.

Fast medical answer

Modifies diagnosis.

He is known for his prompt responses.

Quick replies

Plural noun modification.

We greatly appreciate your prompt reply to our inquiry.

Quick email response

Standard business phrase.

The prompt arrival of the ambulance saved his life.

Fast emergency arrival

Modifies arrival.

Employees are expected to be prompt for all scheduled meetings.

On time for work

Predicative use.

The store offered a prompt refund for the broken item.

Quick money back

Modifies refund.

Prompt action must be taken to prevent further damage.

Immediate steps

Passive voice context.

Her prompt payment of the rent was appreciated by the landlord.

Paying rent on time

Modifies payment.

The manager praised the team for their prompt completion of the project.

Finishing fast

Modifies completion.

A prompt resolution to the customer's complaint is our top priority.

Fixing a problem quickly

Modifies resolution.

The prompt dispatch of emergency supplies was crucial after the earthquake.

Quick sending of goods

Formal noun modification.

Failure to ensure prompt compliance with the regulations will result in fines.

Following rules quickly

Collocation: prompt compliance.

The committee requires prompt notification of any changes to the schedule.

Quick warning

Modifies notification.

His prompt intervention prevented the argument from escalating into a fight.

Stepping in quickly

Modifies intervention.

We guarantee the prompt execution of all trades on our platform.

Fast carrying out of tasks

Modifies execution.

The prompt remediation of the environmental hazard is required by law.

Quick fixing of a problem

Formal academic/legal context.

She is highly regarded for her prompt and efficient management style.

Quick and good managing

Coordinated adjectives.

A prompt acknowledgment of receipt is requested for this highly sensitive document.

Quick confirmation

Formal correspondence.

The prompt mitigation of the cyber threat minimized potential data loss.

Quick reduction of danger

Advanced technical context.

We demand the prompt restitution of the funds that were misappropriated.

Quick return of money

Legal/financial context.

Her prompt rebuttal of the allegations left the opposition speechless.

Quick argument against

Modifies rebuttal.

The treaty stipulates the prompt withdrawal of all foreign troops from the region.

Quick removal

Diplomatic context.

Prompt adjudication of the dispute is necessary to maintain market stability.

Quick legal decision

Legal context.

The prompt mobilization of resources demonstrated the government's commitment.

Quick gathering of help

Modifies mobilization.

He offered a prompt and unequivocal apology for his previous remarks.

Quick and clear sorry

Coordinated adjectives.

The prompt cessation of hostilities is the primary goal of the peace talks.

Quick stopping of fighting

Formal diplomatic phrasing.

The prompt instatement of the new policy circumvented a bureaucratic crisis.

Quick putting into place

Highly formal register.

We require the prompt and meticulous execution of these directives.

Quick and careful doing

Paired with meticulous.

The prompt dissemination of the research findings catalyzed further scientific inquiry.

Quick spreading of information

Academic context.

His prompt apprehension by the authorities precluded any further malfeasance.

Quick catching by police

Legal/journalistic context.

The prompt alleviation of the systemic bottlenecks restored operational fluidity.

Quick fixing of blockages

Corporate/logistical context.

A prompt repudiation of the extremist ideology is expected from all members.

Quick rejection

Political context.

The prompt ratification of the amendment solidified the nation's progressive stance.

Quick official approval

Constitutional context.

Her prompt and incisive critique dismantled the flawed theoretical framework.

Quick and sharp criticism

Academic critique.

자주 쓰는 조합

prompt reply

prompt payment

prompt action

prompt attention

prompt service

prompt delivery

prompt response

prompt arrival

prompt resolution

prompt dispatch

자주 쓰는 구문

thank you for your prompt reply

a prompt response is appreciated

ensure prompt payment

take prompt action

require prompt attention

provide prompt service

expect a prompt arrival

demand a prompt resolution

guarantee prompt delivery

appreciate the prompt dispatch

자주 혼동되는 단어

prompt vs punctual

prompt vs fast

prompt vs quick

prompt vs immediate

관용어 및 표현

"on the dot"

"in a timely manner"

"without delay"

"at the drop of a hat"

"in short order"

"post-haste"

"against the clock"

"beat the clock"

"in the nick of time"

"make good time"

혼동하기 쉬운

prompt vs

문장 패턴

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사용법

nuance

Implies reliability and respect for time, not just speed.

formality

Moderate to High

frequency

Very Common

자주 하는 실수

Using prompt instead of promptly to modify a verb.
Using prompt to describe physical speed (e.g., a prompt car).
Forgetting the final 't' sound in pronunciation.
Confusing the adjective meaning with the verb meaning (to cause).
Using 'prompt' when 'early' is meant.

팁

Adjective vs Adverb

Always check if you are describing a noun or an action. If it's a noun (like 'reply'), use the adjective 'prompt'. If it's an action (like 'replied'), use the adverb 'promptly'.

Business Standard

Make 'Thank you for your prompt reply' a standard part of your email vocabulary. It is universally appreciated in professional environments and sets a positive tone.

Enunciate the T

Be careful not to drop the final 't' sound when speaking. Pronouncing it clearly as /prɒmpt/ ensures you are understood and sounds more educated.

Learn Collocations

Don't just learn the word 'prompt' alone. Learn it in chunks like 'prompt action' or 'prompt payment'. This helps you retrieve the word faster during conversations.

Not for Physical Speed

Remember that 'prompt' is about time management, not physical velocity. Never use it to describe how fast someone runs or how fast a vehicle moves.

Polite Demands

When you need someone to do something quickly but want to remain polite, use 'prompt'. 'I need a prompt answer' sounds better than 'Answer me fast'.

Customer Service Cues

Listen for 'prompt' when dealing with customer service. Companies use it to promise good service, as in 'We guarantee prompt delivery'.

Prompt vs Punctual

Use 'punctual' mostly for people arriving on time. Use 'prompt' for actions, responses, and services that are done without delay.

The PROM Mnemonic

Think of getting ready for a PROM. You have to be on time and quick to look good. This silly association can help cement the meaning in your mind.

Legal Documents

When reading contracts or terms of service, look out for 'prompt'. It often defines legal obligations, such as 'prompt notification of a breach'.

암기하기

기억법

PROMPT sounds like PROM. You must be on time and quick to get ready for the PROM!

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Being prompt to a dinner party in some cultures might be seen as too early, but in business, it is always positive.

In corporate environments, 'prompt' is a buzzword for efficiency.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"How important is a prompt reply in your job?"

"Do you consider yourself a prompt person?"

"When was a time prompt action saved the day?"

"Why do companies advertise prompt service?"

"Is it always necessary to be prompt?"

일기 주제

Describe a situation where someone's prompt action helped you.

Write an email thanking a colleague for their prompt assistance.

Reflect on the cultural differences regarding promptness in your country versus others.

How do you ensure you are prompt for important events?

Write a story about a detective who relies on prompt decisions.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Fast usually refers to physical speed or moving quickly. Prompt refers to doing something without delay or being on time. You can have a fast car, but not a prompt car. You can have a prompt reply, meaning it was sent without waiting.

Yes, prompt can be a verb meaning to cause something to happen or to encourage someone to speak. For example, 'The alarm prompted him to wake up.' However, this lesson focuses on the adjective form meaning quick or on time.

Prompt is generally considered formal or professional, though it is used in everyday neutral contexts too. It is very common in business emails. In highly informal speech, people might just say 'quick' or 'on time'.

The most common way is to thank someone. You can write, 'Thank you for your prompt reply.' This is polite and professional. You can also request it by saying, 'A prompt response would be appreciated.'

The adverb form is promptly. You use it to describe how an action is done. For example, 'He replied promptly.' Do not use the adjective 'prompt' to modify a verb.

No, prompt does not mean early. It means exactly on time or without unnecessary delay. If a meeting is at 9:00, being prompt means arriving at 9:00, not 8:30.

Yes, you can describe a person as prompt if they are consistently on time and reliable. For example, 'She is a very prompt employee.' It means she respects schedules.

Common collocations include prompt reply, prompt payment, prompt action, prompt attention, and prompt service. Memorizing these pairs will make your English sound much more natural.

Yes, 'pronto' comes from the same Latin root and is used in English informally to mean 'quickly' or 'immediately'. However, 'prompt' is the standard English adjective.

Yes, 'promptly reply' is grammatically correct as the adverb modifies the verb. However, 'prompt reply' (adjective + noun) is much more common in standard business phrases.

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