Words / B2

TYML-ee/ˈtaɪmli/

Timely means happening at a suitable or useful moment: a timely warning; timely intervention. On time means not late; time is the noun (already in the dictionary); timetable is a schedule (already elsewhere). A timely reminder still needs a date. Mix-up: timely vs time-ly as two words; timid. Do not call a late essay timely.

Meaning

Happening at a suitable or useful moment.

Examples

• “A timely reminder still needs a date on the bulletin, exams said.”
• “Timely intervention featured in the safeguarding source, which is the “soon enough to help” sense.”

Good to know

a timely + noun; timely intervention / reminder. Everyday: on time (not late). Trap: timetable / timid. News, H&S, and evaluations. At the right moment, not merely punctual.

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