timely
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.happening at a time that is useful or helpful.
adj.occurring at an opportune or appropriate time to achieve a desired effect.
Simple“The rain was very timely because the farmers' crops were starting to die.”
In context“The government's intervention provided a timely boost to the economy just as consumer confidence began to falter.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.done without delay or within the allowed time limit.
adj.done or occurring sufficiently early or at the proper time; often used in professional contexts regarding deadlines.
Simple“The lawyer made sure to give a timely response to the court's request.”
In context“Failure to provide a timely notice of appeal may result in the permanent forfeiture of the client's right to challenge the verdict.”
UsageOften used in legal or administrative writing to describe filings or responses.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
adv.happening early or in good time.
adv.occurring early, quickly, or in a seasonable manner.
Simple“The travelers arrived timely at the station before the storm began.”
In context“He rose timely to begin his journey, hoping to reach the city gates before the midday heat became unbearable.”
Usage timely manner
“At the very moment when rapid change makes timely knowledge more valuable, systems for collecting, identifying, publishing and using biodiversity data often struggle to keep pace.”
“Despite progress, gaps remain in access to timely, quality antenatal, delivery and emergency obstetric care.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.