Prompts

/prɒmpts/ noun

Definition

Cues, hints, or reminders given to help someone remember or perform something. In computing, text or symbols indicating readiness for user input.

Etymology

From Latin 'promptus,' past participle of 'promere' meaning 'to bring forth' or 'to show.' The word entered English in the 15th century, initially meaning 'ready' or 'quick to act.'

Kelly Says

The theater meaning of 'prompt' (helping actors remember lines) gave us the modern tech meaning - both involve providing just enough information to trigger the desired response. AI systems like ChatGPT have made 'prompting' a new skill, essentially the art of talking to machines.

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