Word
promptly
Phoneticsprompt·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɑmpɫi/
UK/pɹˈɒmptli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01without delay
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something immediately or very quickly after being asked or after something happens.
adv. performed immediately or without hesitation following a request, event, or instruction.
“When the alarm went off, the staff promptly evacuated the building.”
“The customer service team responded promptly to the complaint, resolving the technical issue within an hour of the initial report.”
Usage
typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02exactly on time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. at exactly the right time, not late.
adv. at the exact time specified; punctually.
“The meeting will begin promptly at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.”
“The train departed promptly at noon, leaving several late passengers stranded on the platform.”
Usage
often used with specific clock times.
Teaching tip
In formal contexts, 'promptly' is preferred over 'sharp' or 'on the dot'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“They got back to me, promptly and professionally.” “Rather than allow the narrative to be guided by “some TV producer” from a network “I will never watch” he promptly got on with his own.” Etymology
From prompt + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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