adverb

• 1With little or no delay; immediately.

  ‘he paid the fine promptly’

  More example sentences

  • ‘All invitations sent to a gentleman of any sort are promptly accepted or declined.’
  • ‘All orders intrusted to Mr. Cook will be promptly filled.’
  • ‘The waves caused superficial damage which will need to be repaired promptly to avoid further damage.’
  • ‘Finally, about two years ago, he was arrested amidst much fanfare, only to be released promptly by a magistrate.’
  • ‘He moved back to Forest, who were promptly relegated.’
  • ‘There were now six candidates remaining, most of whom promptly started to bitch about the ammo requirement.’
  • ‘A technologist will be there promptly to assist you.’
  • ‘Complaints are dealt with promptly within clear time limits.’
  • ‘The BBC's report attracted the attention of the blogosphere, which promptly swung into action, chiefly at InstaPundit.’
  • ‘First, the shooter in a controlled situation can promptly view the image displayed on the back of the camera.’
  • ‘In accordance with our normal procedure, we promptly placed a seven-day notice on the car.’
  • ‘Well, she answered promptly to the inquiries I had in my first response to her.’
  • ‘The company promptly commemorated the memorable event by posting pictures of the visit on their website.’
  • ‘The bourgeoisie had promptly drawn their conclusion from the services rendered them by the democracy.’
  • ‘The trio then promptly lodged a rescission, along with a notice of motion proposing a nine-member council.’
  • ‘Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period.’
  • ‘The stock promptly headed for China, dropping to only $2.37 per share.’
  • ‘Nalbandian promptly nets with a forehand to hand Henman the first set.’
  • ‘To get the death rate below 80 percent, those exposed would need to receive antibiotics promptly.’

  Synonyms

  punctually, on time, on the dot, on the nail

  quickly, swiftly, rapidly, speedily, fast, as soon as possible, ASAP, expeditiously

  View synonyms

  1. 1.1Used to express surprise, and slight disapproval, when someone does something shortly after something else.
     ‘I won my appeal, but instead of reinstating me, they promptly sacked me again’
     More example sentences

     • ‘His on-off relationship with a famous actress results in the birth of a son whom Ellis promptly disowns.’
     • ‘The veracity of this individual's account cannot be verified as he promptly disappeared.’
     • ‘Anyway, I went into David Jones, and, looking like the neo-hippie that I am, they promptly ignored me.’
     • ‘During his interview he certainly to put the snow job on the management team, and they promptly hired him as their head of development.’
     • ‘The Central Java team member was stunned 7-5 in the preliminary round of the bantamweight competition and promptly blamed lethargy and injury for the exit.’
     • ‘The euro opened with a value of $1.17, crept up to $1.19 on its first morning of trading, and promptly started its long march south.’

• 2At exactly a specified time; punctually.

  ‘Jamie arrived promptly at 8:30’

  More example sentences

  • ‘The store manager walked up the temporary stage promptly at 6 PM.’
  • ‘The paper must go to press promptly at 3 o'clock.’
  • ‘On makeover day, Sue was picked up promptly at 8: 30 a.m. by Don Curl of Mountview Dodge Chrysler Jeep.’
  • ‘Leaving his Eton Square flat promptly at 7am each day, he has every hour of his players ' days programmed to the last second.’
  • ‘The following afternoon, promptly at four o'clock, the Earl of Denby appeared at the front door of the Earl of Matlock carrying a bouquet of wildflowers.’
  • ‘I said no and promptly closed the door.’
  • ‘It came promptly at 6: 30 a.m.’