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REFERENCE

timely

adj. · adv.
US //ˈtaɪmɫi// UK //tˈaɪmli// time·ly
  1. 1 at the right time (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening at a time that is useful or helpful.

    occurring at an opportune or appropriate time to achieve a desired effect.

    Example

    The rain was very timely because the farmers' crops were starting to die.

    Example

    The government's intervention provided a timely boost to the economy just as consumer confidence began to falter.
  2. 2 done quickly or on time (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    done without delay or within the allowed time limit.

    done or occurring sufficiently early or at the proper time; often used in professional contexts regarding deadlines.

    Example

    The lawyer made sure to give a timely response to the court's request.

    Example

    Failure to provide a timely notice of appeal may result in the permanent forfeiture of the client's right to challenge the verdict.

    Usage

    Often used in legal or administrative writing to describe filings or responses.
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  1. 3 early or soon (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    happening early or in good time.

    occurring early, quickly, or in a seasonable manner.

    Example

    The travelers arrived timely at the station before the storm began.

    Example

    He rose timely to begin his journey, hoping to reach the city gates before the midday heat became unbearable.
Origin

From Middle English timely, tymely, timliche, from Old English *tīmlīc (adjective) and tīmlīċe (“in good time; timely; soon”, adverb), equivalent to time + -ly. Cognate with Danish timelig, Swedish timlig, Icelandic tímalegur, tímanlegur.

Word family

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