I. ˈtīmlē, -li adverb
Etymology: Middle English timliche, timely, from Old English tīmlice, from tīma time + -lice, adverb suffix
1. archaic : early , soon
he did command me to call timely on him — Shakespeare
2. : in time : opportunely , seasonably
the present action was timely brought within two years after his appointment — R.W.Starr
II. adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English timlich, timely, from time (I) + -lich, -ly -ly, adjective suffix
1.
a. : done or occurring at a suitable time : opportune
if timely treatment is available the patient has a good chance of recovery — National Safety News
b. : occurring at a normal or expected time
I love my habits, the timely routine and oscillation of the hours — L.P.Smith
c. : falling within a time prescribed by law or contract
the plaintiff filed a timely claim for refund — T.M.Madden
d. : appropriate to the times or the occasion
a timely book
a timely remark
a timely hogshead of home-brewed beer … served effectively as fire extinguisher — American Guide Series: Vermont
2. archaic : advance , early
I know that he will presently be summoned … I have timely information — Charles Dickens
Synonyms: see seasonable