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timely Definition

timely (tīm′lē)

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

timely Related Forms
time′·li·ness noun
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

timely Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • particularly: It is particularly timely given the huge hikes in oil prices over the summer months.
  • extremely: Despite the heavy political subtext, it's a compelling and extremely timely story.
  • therefore: Ensuring adherence to the Plan Sign Off process and therefore timely delivery of plans.
  • perhaps: Now it is perhaps timely to redress this situation and to undertake a systematic study of the earliest occupation of this key Wealden watershed.
  • very: JV: Well Paul now says in a question, very timely is there a particular car you wouldn't be seen dead in?
  • rather: As a result, our arrival to help out was rather timely.

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.
  • consider: It was felt that it was appropriate and timely to consider the evidence with regard to potential chemical induction of prostate cancer.
  • update: Dear All It is timely to update the industry of recent developments.
  • review: It, therefore, seemed timely to review the way in which students were supported by Directors of Studies.

Modifies a noun

  • reminder: Obviously not with the two timely reminders mid meal.
  • manner: In most cases, forces cannot be deployed abroad in a timely manner.
  • fashion: We arranged for the children's meals to arrive with our starters which all arrived in a timely fashion.
  • dissemination: On-line material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work.
  • warning: The Austrian and Swiss elections are thus a timely warning.
  • intervention: Without doubt, Stanley's timely intervention turned the tide, delivered the coup de grace.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: It, therefore, seemed timely to review the way in which students were supported by Directors of Studies.
  • deliver: Their main priority has been to ensure a uniform process for registering cancers region-wide, which will deliver timely, comparable, high-quality data.
  • provide: The firm has built a nationwide reputation for providing timely, expert legal advice to local authorities.

Preposition: in

  • light: It is particularly timely in light of the recent fuel crisis and concerns about climate change.