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timely definition

timely (tīm′lē)

adjective timelier -·lier, timeliest -·li·est

  1. happening, done, said, etc. at a suitable time; well-timed; opportune
  2. Now Rare appearing in good time; early

Etymology: ME tymeli < OE timlice: see time & -ly

adverb

  1. timelier -·lier, timeliest -·li·estArchaic early; soon
  2. at the right time; opportunely the brief was timely filed with the court

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

timely Synonyms

timely

modif.

opportune, seasonable, in good time, fitting the times, suitable, appropriate, convenient, favorable, propitious, well-timed, modern, up-to-date, newsworthy; see also fit 1, 2.

Antonyms unfavorable*, ill-timed*, inappropriate.

timely applies to that which happens or is done at an appropriate time, esp. at such a time as to be of help or service a timely interruption; opportune refers to that which is so timed, often as if by accident, as to meet exactly the needs of the occasion the opportune arrival of a supply train; seasonable applies literally to that which is suited to the season of the year or, figuratively, to the moment or occasion seasonable weather


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

timely Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • particularly: It is particularly timely given the huge hikes in oil prices over the summer months.

Infinitive complement

  • remind: Perhaps it would be timely to remind you of some facts about Oxford University's track record in relation to the new animal lab.

Modifies a noun

  • reminder: Obviously not with the two timely reminders mid meal.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: It, therefore, seemed timely to review the way in which students were supported by Directors of Studies.

Preposition: in

  • light: It is particularly timely in light of the recent fuel crisis and concerns about climate change.
timely usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"timely." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 3 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/timely>

APA Style

timely. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 3rd, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/timely

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