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Cue - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A cue is a signal or prompt that guides an action or response, such as a word, gesture, or event indicating when to begin or proceed in a performance or conversation.

cue

/kjuː/ /kjuː/

Definition:

A signal or prompt to perform an action, often in performance or sports.

Synonyms:

hint, signal, prompt, indication, sign

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

ignore, overlook

Common Collocations:

take a cue, miss a cue, give a cue, follow a cue

Derivatives:

cued, cuing/cueing

Usage Tips:

Use "cue" as a noun for signals or as a verb meaning to prompt someone subtly.

Common Phrases:

on cue, right on cue, take one's cue from

Etymology:

Derived from the Latin "quando" (when), via French "queue" (tail) in theatrical usage.

Examples:

  • 1. She missed her cue to enter the stage.
  • 2. The actor waited for his cue to speak.
  • 3. He cued the music at the perfect moment.
  • 4. Her smile was my cue to start talking.

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