timely
TYM-lee
Timely (adj) means happening at just the right moment. Example: “Her timely warning prevented an accident.”
adj
1
Happening at just the right moment.
"Her timely warning prevented an accident."
"The report offers a timely look at the crisis."
"A timely phone call from her friend lifted her mood."
How to use timely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComing at exactly the right time — neither too early nor too late.
Common pairings
timely reminder
timely manner
timely fashion
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Word forms
- Comparative
- timelier, more timely
- Superlative
- timeliest, most timely
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Her _____ warning prevented an accident.
Etymology
From Old English roots combining "time" with the suffix "-ly", meaning "in a time-appropriate way".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for timely
See all rhymes for timely →Frequently asked questions
What does “timely” mean?
The word “timely” means happening at just the right moment. In plain terms, coming at exactly the right time — neither too early nor too late.
How do you pronounce “timely”?
“Timely” is pronounced TYM-lee (/ˈtaɪmli/ in IPA).
How do you use “timely” in a sentence?
Here is “timely” used in a sentence: “Her timely warning prevented an accident.”
What is another word for “timely”?
Words with a similar meaning to “timely” include well-timed, tempestive, opportune, seasonable, tidy and timeous.
What is the opposite of “timely”?
The opposite of “timely” — its antonyms — is untimely.
What part of speech is “timely”?
“Timely” is an adjective.
Where does the word “timely” come from?
The word “timely” comes from Old English. From Old English roots combining "time" with the suffix "-ly", meaning "in a time-appropriate way".
Is “timely” a common word?
“Timely” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between timely and prompt?
Timely describes something happening at just the right moment, often emphasizing good judgment about when something occurs, such as a timely warning. Prompt emphasizes speed and quickness of response rather than the appropriateness of the moment, such as a prompt reply.
Is timely used in formal or informal writing?
Timely is common in formal and professional writing, such as business, journalism, and academic contexts, where phrases like a timely intervention or timely reminder are standard. It is less common in casual conversation, where words like well-timed or right on time are more typical.
What is a common mistake people make with the word timely?
A common mistake is treating timely as if it needs an adverb ending, writing timelily, which is not a standard word; timely itself is already the adverb-like adjective form used before nouns, as in a timely response. Timely functions only as an adjective, so it should modify a noun directly rather than a verb.
