Cued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cued

[kjuหd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

signal response

Cued is the past tense of the verb 'cue', which means to give a signal or prompt to someone to do something. It is often used in contexts involving performance, theater, or communication, where one person gives another a signal to act or respond. In a broader sense, cued can also refer to any situation where someone is directed to take an action based on an external prompt or indication.

Synonyms

indicated, prompted, signaled.

Examples of usage

  • She cued the dancers to start the performance.
  • The teacher cued the students to begin their presentations.
  • He cued the actors with a nod before the scene began.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cues are vital in behavioral psychology, where they help trigger memories or responses in conditioned learning.
  • Associative cues can enhance memory recall, making it easier for someone to remember past experiences tied to specific signals.
  • In therapy, cues can help individuals manage anxiety by providing reminders to use coping strategies.

Pop Culture

  • In music, a cue is often a specific note or phrase that signals musicians to start or change their playing.
  • Reality TV shows often use cues for contestants to know when to perform challenges or make decisions.
  • The popular TV show 'Friends' features several iconic moments that are cued by laughter tracks, influencing viewer engagement.

Education

  • Cues in teaching can include gestures or verbal prompts that help students focus or understand new material.
  • Mnemonic devices work as cues, aiding memory retention by associating information with specific images or phrases.
  • Effective classroom management often relies on non-verbal cues to maintain student attention without disrupting the flow of teaching.

Technology

  • In programming, cues can refer to triggers in algorithms that prompt specific actions based on user input.
  • Mobile devices often use notification cues to alert users of new messages or reminders.
  • AI systems utilize cues from data trends to make accurate predictions or suggestions.

Origin of 'cued'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cue' comes from the Latin word 'cauda,' meaning 'tail,' which refers to a signal or tail end of something.
  • In theater, actors look for cues in the script or from their director to know when itโ€™s their turn to speak or act.
  • The term evolved in the late 19th century and became widely used in English-speaking countries.

The word 'cue' originates from the Latin word 'quies', which means 'rest' or 'to be quiet', reflecting the notion of being ready for something. In the 16th century, the term evolved in theatrical contexts, where it indicated a prompt for actors to begin their lines or actions. The noun 'cue' became common in performance arts, referring to both verbal and non-verbal signals. Over time, the usage expanded beyond the theater to include any type of signaling action in various fields, such as education, sports, and everyday communication. The verb form 'to cue' emerged to convey the act of providing such signals, and its past tense 'cued' reflects this developed usage in contemporary English.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,307, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.