timely

American  

[tahym-lee] / ˈtaɪm li /

adjective

timelier, comparative timeliest superlative

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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Synonym Usage

See opportune.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• timeliness
  noun
• pretimely
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• timelier
  comparative
• timeliest
  superlative

Etymology

Origin of timely

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

Explanation

If something is finished quickly or on time, then it's been done in a timely manner. Homework, thank-you notes, and your taxes are just a few things that you should complete in a timely manner. Hear that clock ticking? That's the time limit for learning this word in a timely fashion. But the word timely isn't always about speed — being timely can also mean being well-timed or doing something at the most appropriate moment. If you're going for a job interview, it's important to make a timely arrival. And if you bump into friends just when they were wondering how you were doing, then you've made a timely appearance.

Related Words

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