Timely

Definition

Timely describes something occurring at a favorable or opportune moment.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaɪmli/
• Respelling: TYME-lee (with "TYME" as in "time" and "lee" as in "lee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaɪmli/
• Respelling: TYME-lee (similar to American English, with "TYME" as in "time" and "lee" like in "lee")

In both dialects, "timely" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TYME," which rhymes with "time." The word is consistent across both American and British English, highlighting the uniform pronunciation of this term.

Etymology

The word "timely" originates from Middle English, combining "time" (from Old English "tīma") with the suffix "-ly" which typically transforms nouns or adjectives into adverbs. Historically, it has been used to mean "occurring at a good time" or "seasonable."

Derivatives

• Untimely
• Timeliness
• Timelyness
• Timelier (comparative adjective)
• Timeliest (superlative adjective)

Synonyms

• Opportune
• Seasonable
• Appropriate

Antonyms

• Inopportune
• Untimely
• Ill-timed

Usage

• "Timely" is commonly utilized in contexts where there's a need to emphasize the appropriateness or favorability of the timing of an action or event.
• It can be used both as an adjective and as an adverb, though the adverbial use is less common in modern English.

Related Terms

• Time
• Timing
• Schedule
• Punctual

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Occurring at a Favorable Time: Happening or done at a suitable time; well-timed.
• Example: His arrival was timely as we were just about to start the meeting.

• Opportune or Well-timed: Occurring or appearing at the right moment.
• Example: Her timely advice prevented us from making a big mistake.

Adverb

• At an Appropriate Time; Opportunely: Acting or arriving at the right time or moment.
• Example: The doctor arrived timely to administer the necessary treatment.