Timing

Definition

Timing refers to the choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaɪmɪŋ/
• Respelling: TY-ming (with "TY" as in "tie" and "ming" as in "mingling")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaɪmɪŋ/
• Respelling: TY-ming (similar to American English, with "TY" as in "tie" and "ming" like in "mingling")

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

Etymology

The term "timing" originates from the word "time" (from Old English "tīma") with the suffix "-ing", which is commonly used to turn verbs into nouns denoting an action or process. Historically, "timing" has been employed to describe the act or art of setting or regulating the time of something, like a machine or an event.

Derivatives

• Mistiming
• Timing-belt
• Timing-pin
• Retiming
• Out-timing

Synonyms

• Scheduling
• Sequencing
• Pacing

Antonyms

• Disorder
• Randomness
• Haphazardness

Usage

• "Timing" is predominantly used in contexts where the specific moment or period something occurs is of essence or relevance.
• It can be employed across various scenarios, from technical applications, such as engine timing, to social situations, like the timing of a joke.

Related Terms

• Timely
• Time
• Stopwatch
• Rhythm
• Cadence

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Act or Art of Setting Time: The skill or action of setting the time for an event, action, or occurrence.
• Example: The timing of the fireworks display was impeccable.

• Specific Time or Rate: A particular point or period at which something happens or is scheduled to happen; or the rate at which something occurs.
• Example: The timing of the announcement took everyone by surprise.

• Coordination in Performance: The ability to choose or the act of choosing the right moment to act, speak, etc.
• Example: His impeccable timing in comedy always leaves the audience laughing.