Definition

Describing something that occurs without being asked or encouraged.

Example

She gave an unprompted compliment about his work.

Conversation

Did you hear that funny story Mark told at the party?

Yeah, it was hilarious and completely unprompted.

I know, right? It just came out of nowhere!

That's what made it so funny — he really surprised everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unprompted → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "prompted" (from Latin "promptus", meaning brought forth or ready). The word "unprompted" means not brought forth or not initiated by an external cue or stimulus.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being involved in something that is 'brought forth' ('promptus') — that's why unprompted means something that happens without any external prompting.

Visually Confused Words