time‧ly /ˈtaɪmli/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑time, ↑overtime, ↑timer, ↑timing, ↑timelessness; adjective: ↑timeless, ↑timely ≠ ↑untimely; verb: ↑time; adverb: ↑timelessly]
done or happening at exactly the right time:
The fight ended only with the timely arrival of the police.
in a timely manner/fashion (=as quickly as is reasonable in a particular situation)
We aim to settle all valid claims in a timely manner.
a timely reminder (of something) British English (=one that makes you remember something important)
The crash served as a timely reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.
time·ly[timelytimeliertimeliest][ˈtaɪmli][ˈtaɪmli]adjective
happening at exactly the right time Syn: opportune • A nasty incident was prevented by the timely arrival of the police. • This has been a timely reminder to us all. • I was grateful for your timely intervention. Opp: untimely Derived Word: timeliness Example Bank: • All claims must be dealt with in a professional and timely manner.
• The timely intervention of a teacher meant a fight was avoided.
[ta͟ɪmli] ADJ-GRADED (approval)
If you describe an event as timely, you approve of it because it happens exactly at the moment when it is most useful, effective, or relevant. The recent outbreaks of cholera are a timely reminder that this disease is still a serious health hazard... The exhibition is timely, since `self-taught' art is catching on in a big way. Syn:
opportune
time·ly /ˈtaɪmli/ adjtime·li·er; -est[or more ~; most ~] : happening at the correct or most useful time : not happening too late • Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates. • a timely decision/warning • She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion/manner.
- opposite untimely
- time·li·nessnoun[noncount] • the timeliness of the warning
