A CUE Meaning and
Definition
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A cue is a signal or prompt that serves as a reminder or indication for someone to perform a particular action or behavior. It acts as a guiding prompt that triggers a specific response or reaction. Cues are often used to facilitate and support learning, memory recall, and coordination of actions.
In the context of communication and performance, a cue can refer to a verbal or non-verbal signal that prompts a person to engage or respond accordingly. For instance, in theater or television productions, actors rely on cues from the director or other performers to know when to enter, speak their lines, or make certain movements. A cue in this sense ensures synchronization and coherence among multiple elements of a production.
In cognitive psychology, a cue can also refer to a stimulus that aids in recalling information or memories. These cues, also known as retrieval cues, act as triggers that assist individuals in accessing stored knowledge or memories. For example, seeing a familiar face might serve as a cue to recall someone's name or an event associated with that person.
Cues can be intentional or unintentional, and they play a critical role in shaping behavior and facilitating meaningful interactions. By providing prompts and reminders, cues help individuals anticipate and adapt to different situations, enhancing both communication and memory retrieval processes.
Etymology of A CUE
The word "cue" has a rather convoluted etymology. It originates from the Old French word "coue", which meant "tail". In medieval times, the word was used in reference to the tail of an animal, such as a horse or a dog.
Over time, "cue" started to be used in theater, specifically in relation to the long rod used by actors to indicate an entrance or an action. This rod, known as a "queue" in French, was later anglicized into "cue".
By extension, "cue" came to refer to any signal or prompt used to indicate one's turn, actions, or appearance. This broadened meaning has been further expanded to include various contexts, such as billiards or other activities where a signal or prompt is given.
