ˈpɹɑmptli ˈpɹɒmptli ˈpɹɑntoʊ kwɪk ˈkwɪkli ˈɹɛdɪli in a punctual manner he did his homework promptly at once (usually modifies an undesirable occurrence) he promptly forgot the address with little or no delay the rescue squad arrived promptly come here, quick!