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[ adverb ] with little or no delay
Examples "the rescue squad arrived promptly" "come here, quick!" Used in print (Handbook of Federal Aids to Communities. U.S. Dep...)Economic information is made available to businessmen and economists promptly through the monthly Survey_of_Current_Business and its weekly supplement . (Evan Esar, Humorous English; a guide to comic ,...)`` That 's one thing I 've never done '' , she said promptly . |
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[ adverb ] in a punctual manner
Synonyms Examples "he did his homework promptly" Used in print (Statements 87th Congress, 1st Session. Appropriations,...)Upon the expiration of a period deemed adequate for demonstration purposes for each plant , but not to exceed such twelve year period , the Secretary shall proceed as promptly as practicable to dispose of any plants so constructed by sale to the highest bidder , or as may otherwise be directed by Act of Congress . (The Department of State: A Fresh Look at the...)If there is anything which we can do in the executive_branch of the Government to speed_up the processes by which we come_to decisions on matters on_which we must act promptly , that in itself would be a major contribution to the conduct of our affairs . (Doris Miles Disney, Mrs. Meeker's Money....)Promptly at one-thirty he entered Hohlbein and Garth 's elegant suite of offices in Medfield 's newest professional building . |
| 3 |
[ adverb ] at once (usually modifies an undesirable occurrence)
Synonyms Examples "he promptly forgot the address" Used in print (William Maxwell, The Chateau....)Eugene told him and he promptly forgot . (Arthur Miller, "The Prophecy," in The Best...)There is a death in all partings , she knew , and promptly put it out of her mind . |
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