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Prompt vs Impromptu - What's the difference?

prompt | impromptu |

As adjectives the difference between prompt and impromptu

is that prompt is (archaic) ready, willing (to act) while impromptu is improvised; without prior preparation, planning or rehearsal; extemporaneous; unplanned.

As nouns the difference between prompt and impromptu

is that prompt is a reminder or cue while impromptu is (music) a short musical composition for an informal occasion often with the character of improvisation and usually to be played solo.

As a verb prompt

is to lead someone toward what they should say or do.

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 ----

    impromptu

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Improvised; without prior preparation, planning or rehearsal; extemporaneous; unplanned.
    • The party began with an impromptu rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (music) a short musical composition for an informal occasion often with the character of improvisation and usually to be played solo.
  • any composition, musical or otherwise, that is created on the spot without preparation.