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Language Foundation

promptly

If something is done promptly, it is done with little or no delay after the relevant time or event.

In plain English

It means acting soon after the time when something should happen or after a triggering event occurs. Any delay is very small or absent.

In context

Here, it signals that the action should follow the relevant time or event with little or no delay.

Situation
Tracking obligations, deliverables, milestones, notices, and deadlines
What it communicates
signals that the action is expected without much delay.

Meaning limits

By itself, it does not fix an exact deadline, only the expectation of minimal delay after the relevant time or event.

Examples

“When the oven timer rang, he promptly took the bread out.”

Core meaning

“The guests were asked to leave promptly after the ceremony ended.”

In context

  • immediately Narrower Term

    It is a stricter case: no delay at all, rather than a small or no delay.

  • belatedly Opposite

    It refers to action after a delay, not with minimal delay after the relevant time or event.