Timely: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| prompt |
Often refers to actions or responses that are done without delay; immediate or quick response to a situation.
|
| well-timed |
This implies something that is neither too early nor too late, but occurs at an optimal or perfect moment.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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