Promptly
What it means
Quickly and at the expected or useful time.
Reach for it when describing a timely response without implying reckless haste
The ranger promptly closed the damaged bridge and posted an alternate route.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
in good time
Fits when completion leaves a useful margin
Careful The phrase may mean early rather than immediately.
-
everyday
Fits when short elapsed time is the only claim
Careful Quick action can happen too early, too late, or without relevance.
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warm
Fits when willingness combines with a quick response
Careful Readiness can be eager but not actually prompt.
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professional
without delay
Fits when no avoidable waiting occurred
Careful The phrase does not show that the action met an agreed time.
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formal
punctually
Fits when an exact scheduled time is met
Careful Punctuality does not describe a rapid response after an event.
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literary
Fits when decisive speed deserves emphasis
Careful It can glorify speed where careful checking mattered.
Opposites 3
- belatedly
- slowly
- tardily
Common phrases 3
-
respond promptly
The maintenance team will respond promptly to any report of exposed wiring.
-
arrive promptly
Please arrive promptly so the safety briefing can include everyone.
-
promptly reported
The cracked fitting was promptly reported and isolated.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated