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Cue

/kjuː/

nounverbB1

Definition

A cue is something that gives a hint or signal to begin an action or to respond in a certain way. It can be a small sign, like a word or gesture, that tells people when to speak, move, or do something. In everyday life, cues help people know what to do next without needing full instructions.

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⚡ See It in Action

A signal or hint to begin an action

  • •The teacher gave the students a cue to start the test.
  • •When the music plays, that is your cue to dance.
  • •The actor missed his cue and started speaking late.

To give a signal or prompt to someone

  • •The director cued the actor to enter the stage.
  • •She cued the band to start playing the next song.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "cue" like "sign," but smaller and more specific—it tells you exactly when to start or stop something.
  • ✓Picture an actor waiting quietly on stage until they see their cue—a small signal like a nod or a line from another actor.
  • ✓It's the feeling when you hear your name called, and you know it's your turn to speak or act.
  • ✓Sounds like "Q" → imagine a queue (line) where each person waits for their turn, and the cue is the signal for the next person to go.
  • ✓In movies or plays, a director gives cues to actors to help the story move smoothly.
  • ✓NOT like "order" (a strong command), a cue is a gentle or subtle signal that guides action.
  • ✓NOT like "instruction" (full explanation), a cue is just a small hint or prompt.

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Signal: a sign or sound that tells you to do something (Use when the cue is more obvious or clear)
  • •Prompt: a small reminder or hint to help someone remember or start (Use when helping someone remember what to say or do)
  • •Hint: a small piece of information that helps you understand or do something (Use when the cue is indirect or less clear)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Word parts: (single root word, no prefix or suffix)
  • •Etymology: From Old French "cue," meaning a tail or a signal, originally from Latin "cauda" meaning tail
  • •Historical development: Originally used to mean a tail or something that follows; later used in theater to mean a signal for action
  • •Modern usage: Commonly used in theater, film, and everyday life to mean a signal to start or do something

💭 Reflect & Connect

•How do you notice cues in everyday life, like in conversations or social situations?
•Can you think of a time when missing a cue caused confusion or a problem?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.The actor waited quietly until he saw the ___ to speak his lines.
2.When the music started, that was the ___ for everyone to begin dancing.
3.She cued the speaker because he forgot to ___ his turn.
4.A nod or a look can be a subtle ___ to start or stop an action.
5.Unlike a direct order, a cue is usually a ___ signal that guides behavior.
6.In conversations, people often give ___ to show they are listening or want to speak.
7.If you miss your cue during a play, you might ___ the timing and confuse others.