timely

[tahym-lee]

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.

adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.

2. Archaic.,  early or soon.

timely

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time

2. an archaic word for early

Other Word Forms

• timeliness noun
• pretimely adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timely¹

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

Synonym Study

See opportune.

Example Sentences

It was the attorney general's first appearance at a congressional oversight hearing - and it was a timely one.

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"I know there is significant public interest in this case, and we will seek to provide timely updates on our progress where possible."

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Another worker, for the Department of Homeland Security, based in New Jersey, took a slightly different view: "Despite working without timely pay, I support the shutdown."

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“We just have to play good baseball. We’ve got to continue to pitch, timely hitting and play defense, and everything should be OK.”

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With this law in place, workers unable to get a timely response at the federal level can petition the California Public Employment Relations Board to enforce their rights.

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Related Words

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