Dictionary

promptitude en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (Southern-England) audio

Etymology

From Middle English promptitude, from Late Latin prōmptitūdō, from Classical Latin prōmptus. By surface analysis, prompt + -itude.

Meanings

1. (uncountable, usually) The quality of being prompt; alacrity.
   • The pleasure evinced by Sir Charles was only less than that of his lady, and, as he appeared every way worthy of her, and sensible of her value, Mr. Glentworth bade her adieu with the more cheerfulness, and, on their return to the hotel, Isabella had ceased to lament the transaction, and all agreed to praise that promptitude of action which had enabled him to perform his wishes so happily. 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter LIII, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 58:
   • Also, much depended on an exceptional esprit de corps which permeated the whole staff, and achieved miracles of promptitude in such details as engine-changing and the marshalling of trains. 1946 May and June, J. Alan Rannie, “The Midland of 35 Years Ago”, in Railway Magazine, page 135:
   • "I've been directed here to find Miss Susan Pike," the man outside explained, between fresh coughings. ¶ "Well, then, mog your boots out of this as quick as ever you can!" my Aunt replied, with great promptitude. "You won't find her here!" 1894, Harold Frederic, “My Aunt Susan”, in Marsena and Other Stories of the Wartime, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner's Sons, page 200:
   • Small wonder then that the Indomitable's Captain, though in general a man of rapid decision, felt that circumspectness not less than promptitude was necessary. 1924, Herman Melville, chapter 18, in Billy Budd, London: Constable & Co.:

Forms

Synonyms

expedition (quality of being prompt) · dispatch (quality of being prompt) · promptness (quality of being prompt)