Timely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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timely
[ˈtaɪmli ]
Definitions
punctual
Happening at exactly the right time; not too early or too late.
Synonyms
prompt, punctual, well-timed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| timely |
Used to describe something that happens at a suitable or opportune time, often just in time or at the right moment.
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| punctual |
Used to describe someone who is always on time or actions/events that occur at the scheduled time.
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| prompt |
Often refers to actions or responses that are done without delay; immediate or quick response to a situation.
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| well-timed |
This implies something that is neither too early nor too late, but occurs at an optimal or perfect moment.
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Examples of usage
- She made a timely arrival at the party.
- His timely intervention saved the project from failure.
quickly
In a timely manner; promptly or quickly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| timely |
Best used when describing that something was done at the appropriate or expected time. It often implies that the timing was important and effective.
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| promptly |
Used when highlighting that an action was taken without delay, especially to show efficiency or responsiveness.
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| quickly |
Used to indicate that something was done in a short amount of time. It is more general and can refer to any quick action not necessarily tied to an expected schedule.
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| speedily |
Similar to 'quickly', but often with an emphasis on high speed. It can sometimes carry a formal or literary tone.
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Examples of usage
- He responded to the email timely.
- The report was submitted timely.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In cinema, movies that are described as 'timely' often address current social issues, reflecting what’s happening in the world.
- The song 'Time' by Pink Floyd discusses life and how it can slip away if not dealt with at the right moment.
- Popular sayings, like 'timing is everything,' highlight how important it is to do something at the perfect moment.
Psychology
- Research shows that timely interventions in mental health can drastically improve outcomes for individuals.
- The concept of 'timeliness' is linked to decision-making; waiting too long may result in missed opportunities.
- Timely feedback, especially in learning environments, helps students better grasp concepts and improve performance.
History
- During the Industrial Revolution, 'timely' became important in scheduling work hours to maximize productivity.
- In ancient civilizations, understanding time, such as seasons and cycles, was crucial for agriculture and survival.
- Quality of life in medieval towns improved with the invention of clocks, emphasizing the need for timely actions in daily life.
Business
- In project management, delivering tasks in a timely manner is vital for success and client satisfaction.
- Timeliness is often measured against deadlines, which help structures team workflow and accountability.
- Timely decision-making can be a competitive advantage in fast-paced industries, allowing companies to respond quickly to market changes.
Origin of 'timely'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'tīm', meaning 'time', adding '-ly' to describe things related to time.
- It has been used since the 14th century, emphasizing the importance of timing in actions.
- The prefix 'time' tracks back to various Germanic languages, connecting across Europe.
The word 'timely' has been in use since the 14th century. It is derived from the Middle English word 'timeli' which means 'occurring at a suitable time'. The word has its roots in the Old English 'timlic' which also refers to something happening at the right time. Over the centuries, 'timely' has retained its meaning of being punctual or prompt.
See also: overtime, sometimes, time, timeframe, timekeeper, timeless, timeline, timeliness, timepiece, timer, times, timetable, timetabling, timeworn, timing, untimely.