timely

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparableapproving

   Happening or done at a good moment, when it is most useful or needed.

   Grammar: Often before a noun: a timely reminder.

   Patterns

   • a timely reminder
   • timely help

   Her timely warning saved the hikers from the storm.

   The report is a timely reminder of the need for savings.

   A timely rain helped the crops.

2. 2adjectivecomparableformal

   Done within the expected or required period, without delay.

   Grammar: Often in business: a timely response.

   Patterns

   • in a timely manner
   • a timely response

   Please send a timely reply to the client.

   The company promises timely delivery of all orders.

   He praised the team for their timely work on the report.

Word forms

Common combinations

timely manner

We will answer your complaint in a timely manner.

timely reminder

The flood was a timely reminder to buy insurance.

timely intervention

A timely intervention prevented a larger problem.

timely warning

The sirens gave a timely warning.

remarkably timely

Her book is remarkably timely.

timely arrival

The ambulance's timely arrival saved his life.

Synonyms and how they differ

opportune

Opportune is more formal and focuses on the moment being just right for a purpose.

punctual

Punctual means arriving at an agreed time, and is used for people, not events.

well-timed

Well-timed is a plainer way to say something came at the right moment.

prompt

Prompt means acting without delay, whereas timely means coming at the right moment, which may or may not be quick.

Opposites

Word family

timeliness noun

the quality of being on time or well timed

untimely adjective

happening at the wrong time

time noun

the root word

timelessly adverb

in a way that never goes out of date, related through time

Commonly confused: timely or timeless?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “timely”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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