Promptly
ˈprɒmptli
Definitions
With little or no delay; immediately.
ˈprɒmptli
Quickly and without delay
The doctor arrived promptly after being called.
💡 Simply: Like when you answer a text message right away! It means doing something fast, without waiting.
👶 For kids: Doing something really fast, like when you get a snack when your tummy is rumbling.
More Examples
Please respond to this email promptly.
The rescue team reacted promptly to the emergency.
How It's Used
"Responding to customer inquiries promptly is crucial for maintaining a good reputation."
"The defendant was required to submit their response promptly to the court."
"She promptly agreed to help with the project."
From Middle English *promptly*, derived from Old French *promptement*, from *prompt* (ready, quick) + *-ment* (suffix denoting manner).
The word 'promptly' has been used to describe swift action or immediate response since the late 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of a *prompt* on a computer; the system expects a response *promptly*.
Word Origin
"ready, quick"