# timely

Pronunciation: US say "TYM-lee" /ˈtaɪmli/; UK

## Adjective

1. Happening or showing up at the right moment, when it is most useful or fitting.
   - Simple: Coming at just the right moment, not too early or too late.
   - _The committee's timely intervention prevented the dispute from escalating._
   - _A timely reminder from her colleague saved the presentation._
2. Carried out at the proper time or within the required limits; prompt and not delayed.
   - Simple: Finished or done on time, within the limit that is allowed.
   - _Investors praised the company's timely response to the market shift._
   - _His timely payment kept the account in good standing._

## Adverb

3. In a manner that complies with the deadlines or time limits that apply.
   - Simple: In a way that meets the deadlines the rules require.
   - _The defendant must answer timely to preserve the defense._
   - _Plaintiffs who do not object timely waive the issue on appeal._

## Adverb

4. At an early hour; in good time and without delay. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: At an early time, soon and without delay.
   - _The messenger arrived timely, well before the gates were shut._
   - _She woke timely and finished her chores before the sun was high._
5. At the fitting time; in season, when the moment is right. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: At the right time, when the season or moment is best.
   - _The harvest was gathered timely, before the first frost arrived._
   - _Rains that fell timely that year saved the failing crops._

## Adjective

6. Keeping steady time or measure; regular in rhythm or beat. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Keeping a steady beat or measure, as in music.

## Origin

From Middle English timely, going back to Old English *tīmlīc (adjective) and tīmlīċe ("in good time; timely; soon"), equivalent to time + -ly. It is related to Danish timelig, Swedish timlig, and Icelandic tímalegur.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/timely (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).