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Timely: meaning, definitions and examples

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timely

 

[ ˈtaɪmli ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

punctual

Happening at exactly the right time; not too early or too late.

Synonyms

prompt, punctual, well-timed

Examples of usage

  • She made a timely arrival at the party.
  • His timely intervention saved the project from failure.
Context #2 | Adverb

quickly

In a timely manner; promptly or quickly.

Synonyms

promptly, quickly, speedily

Examples of usage

  • He responded to the email timely.
  • The report was submitted timely.

Translations

Translations of the word "timely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oportuno

🇮🇳 समय पर

🇩🇪 rechtzeitig

🇮🇩 tepat waktu

🇺🇦 вчасний

🇵🇱 terminowy

🇯🇵 タイムリー

🇫🇷 opportun

🇪🇸 oportuno

🇹🇷 zamanında

🇰🇷 시기적절한

🇸🇦 في الوقت المناسب

🇨🇿 včasný

🇸🇰 včasný

🇨🇳 及时的

🇸🇮 pravočasen

🇮🇸 tímabær

🇰🇿 уақытылы

🇬🇪 დროული

🇦🇿 vaxtında

🇲🇽 oportuno

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,941, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.