noun / verb

prompt

PRAHMPT/prɑːmpt/

A cue or encouragement that leads to an action or response.

The conductor's prompt brings the violinist's bow onto the strings.

A conductor gives an unmistakable entrance cue to a waiting violinist, who responds by bringing his bow onto the strings.

Etymology

Latin promere meant 'bring forth,' and its participle developed the sense 'at hand, ready.' The English verb may come through that adjective, shifting from readiness for action to urging someone to act.

In context

Dr. Shadé Zahrai5:37

I know it may seem very non-conventional, but it’s really powerful because what you’re doing is using something called ‘pre-suasion’ to prompt the interviewer to focus their thinking on the features of your resume and application

Interview Confidence | 3 Steps to Feel Confident & Impress the Hiring Manager

More examples

A prompt on the screen asks for your password.
Her question prompted a lively discussion.
I gently prompt him when he forgets his lines.

Forms

prompt · prompts · prompted · prompting

prompter noun — Someone who supplies forgotten lines to performers.

Similar words

cue: Emphasizes a signal indicating when to act or speak.
hint: Suggests an answer indirectly rather than explicitly directing a response.
reminder: Brings something already known back to someone's attention.