prompt
Translation
to prompt, to cause, to provoke
Examples
The discovery prompted a new investigation.
The discovery prompted a new investigation.
Curiosity prompted her to ask a question.
Curiosity prompted her to ask a question.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to make sb. decide to do sth. Curiosity prompted her to ask a question.
((sth.)) to cause sth. to happen The article prompted a lot of emails.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cause, provoke, incite, cue
Etymology
From Latin 'promptus', meaning 'brought forth, ready'. Related to 'promere' (to bring forth).
Memory Tips
Think of a computer 'prompt' (>_) that asks you to do something. The verb 'to prompt' is to cause someone to do something.