An actor's prompt (3) Crossword Clue
Answer: CUE (3 letters)
CUE refers to a signal or prompt given to an actor, musician, or performer to begin speaking, singing, or acting. In theater, a cue can be a line, action, or stage signal that tells the performer it’s their turn. The word comes from the Latin cornu (“horn”), originally referring to a signal given by a horn. In the crossword clue, “an actor’s prompt” directly defines cue, making it the exact answer.
Why “CUE” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (3 letters) meaning “an actor’s prompt.” The answer, CUE, fits exactly:
- Primary keyword targeting: Cue refers to a signal or prompt given to an actor during a performance — exactly what the clue defines.
- Direct match: With three letters, cue fits the clue’s enumeration perfectly.
- Precise meaning: The word means a line, sound, movement, or signal that triggers action — especially in performance or communication settings.
A Bit of Background
Cue is a key term in theater, broadcasting, and music production:
- Origin and usage: Derived from the Latin word clavis (“key”) and later adapted through Middle English queue (“signal”), cue came to represent a trigger for action.
- Contexts: Used widely in the performing arts and production:
- Theatre: A spoken word or gesture that reminds an actor of their next line or entrance.
- Broadcasting: A visual or audio signal marking the start of a segment.
- Music: A cue indicates when a musician should begin playing.
- Examples:
- “She forgot her cue and missed the scene entrance.”
- “The director gave the cue to change the lighting.”
- “He waited for his cue before delivering the line.”
Crossword Solving Insight
Quick crossword clues like “an actor’s prompt (3)” are straightforward definitions geared toward common professional jargon:
- Alternatives like tip (3) or nod (3) may appear relevant but do not match the performance context.
- The professional term “prompt” points directly toward theatre or dramatic timing, making cue the clear and concise fit.
- Short clues with occupational references often lead to trade-specific vocabulary — in this case, the theatre’s universal terminology.
Related Information and LSI Keywords
- Related words: signal, prompt, indication, hint, trigger.
- LSI keywords: stage direction, theatre term, actor timing, performance signal.
- Applications beyond theatre: used in psychology (e.g., behavioral cue), marketing (e.g., visual cue), and everyday communication.
