timely

American  

[tahym-lee] / ˈtaɪm li /

adjective

timelier, timeliest

1. occurring at a suitable time; opportune; well-timed.

   Our priority is to identify threats against the U.S. and provide accurate, timely warnings.

2. occurring within an expected time frame; prompt.

   To ensure timely delivery, orders with multiple products may ship separately.

3. Archaic. early.

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adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.

2. Archaic. early or soon.

timely British  

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time

2. an archaic word for early

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Related Words

See opportune.

Other Word Forms

• pretimely adjective
• timeliness noun

Etymology

Origin of timely

First recorded before 1000; Middle English tim(e)liche, Old English tīmlīce (adverb); time, -ly

Example Sentences

"It is very important that deliveries are timely, that production works, and that partners help us purchase the necessary missiles," Zelensky stressed.

From BBC

She said timely treatment can be "life-changing", but there was not equitable access to care.

From BBC

But when it comes to our collective national health, King’s words remain as timely as ever.

From Salon

The disc reasserted that Ellington’s art could flourish in extended forms, that he should be counted among America’s enduring creative figures, and that a recording could be both timely and timeless.

From The Wall Street Journal

It will be huge for the Bills if they can get a timely turnover or two against an offense that struggled against the Chargers’ second-string defense in a regular-season finale.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appropriate
• convenient
• prompt
• proper
• up-to-date
• up-to-the-minute