timely

[ tahym-lee ]

adjective

, time·li·er, time·li·est.

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.

adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.
2. Archaic. early or soon.

timely

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time
2. an archaic word for early

Derived Forms

• ˈtimeliness, noun

Other Words From

• time·li·ness noun
• pre·time·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timely¹

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

Synonym Study

See opportune.

Example Sentences

A timely nine-episode adaptation developed by FX arrives Thursday on Hulu and raises questions about how a bitterly divided country can move on from the past, something that will feel relevant to many American viewers now.

From Los Angeles Times

He argued that otherwise "we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner."

From BBC

The Department of Health said it was aware that the availability of community placements was a key barrier to enabling timely discharge from inpatient services.

From BBC

And, with coffee prices reaching record levels on the international markets this year, that point is timely.

From BBC

However, there could be some timely changes in cloud amounts at the time of peak viewing.

From BBC

Related Words

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