timely

/ˈtaɪmli/

/ˈtaɪmli/

Other forms: timeliest; timelier; timelily

If something is finished quickly or on time, then it's been done in a timely manner. Homework, thank-you notes, and your taxes are just a few things that you should complete in a timely manner.

Hear that clock ticking? That's the time limit for learning this word in a timely fashion. But the word timely isn't always about speed — being timely can also mean being well-timed or doing something at the most appropriate moment. If you're going for a job interview, it's important to make a timely arrival. And if you bump into friends just when they were wondering how you were doing, then you've made a timely appearance.

Definitions of timely

1. adjective

   done or happening at the appropriate or proper time
   “a timely warning”

   “with timely treatment the patient has a good chance of recovery”

   synonyms: seasonable, well timed, well-timed

   opportune

   suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
2. adjective

   before a time limit expires
   “the timely filing of his income tax return”

   synonyms:

   punctual

   acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed
3. adverb

   at an opportune time
   synonyms: apropos, seasonably, well-timed