What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Dilatory vs Prompt - What's the difference?

dilatory | prompt |

As adjectives the difference between dilatory and prompt

is that dilatory is intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or defer decision while prompt is (archaic) ready, willing (to act).

As a noun prompt is

a reminder or cue.

As a verb prompt is

to lead someone toward what they should say or do.

dilatory

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or defer decision.
    • a dilatory strategy
  • * Motley
    • Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary.
  • Slow or tardy.

    • Derived terms

    * dilatorily * dilatoriness

    Anagrams

    * adroitly * idolatry

    prompt

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (archaic) Ready, willing (to act).
  • * 1623 , William Shakespeare, Antony & Cleopatra , III.8:
    • Tell him, I am prompt To lay my Crowne at's feete, and there to kneele.
  • Quick, acting without delay.
    • He was very prompt at getting a new job.
  • On time, punctual.
    • Be prompt for your appointment.

    Derived terms

    * promptness

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A reminder or cue.
  • (business, dated) A time limit given for payment of an account for produce purchased, this limit varying with different goods.
  • * John Stuart Mill
    • To cover any probable difference of price which might arise before the expiration of the prompt , which for this article [tea] is three months.
  • (computing) A symbol that appears on a monitor to indicate that the computer is ready to receive input.
    • I filled in my name where the prompt appeared on the computer screen but my account wasn't recognized.
  • (writing) A suggestion for inspiration given to an author.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To lead someone toward what they should say or do.
    • I prompted him to get a new job.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=September 2 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Bulgaria 0-3 England , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=The only sour note on a virtually perfect night for England came from shameful 'monkey' chanting aimed at Ashley Cole and Ashley Young from a section of Bulgaria's fans which later prompted an official complaint from the Football Association to Uefa.}}
  • (theater, and, television) - to show or tell an actor/person the words they should be saying, or actions they should be doing.
    • If he forgets his words I will prompt him.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    External links

    * * *

    See also

    * promptly * prompter ----