timeous

English

Alternative forms

• timous

Etymology

From earlier timous, from Middle English tymous, *tymwos, *tymwis (“early”), equivalent to timewise. Cognate with Scots timeous (“timely”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtaɪməs/

Adjective

timeous (not comparable)

1. (especially Scotland, South Africa) In sufficient time; timely; in (its) proper time or season.
   • 1831, The Radical Reformer's Currycomb; Or, Scrub for Scrub, page 2:

     We sincerely hope, however, that a timeous and speedy adoption of energetic and conciliatory measures will waft such a dreadful calamity far distant from our homes, and restore that confidence in society so necessary for the welfare of a commercial community.

   • 1919, The Scottish Law Review and Sheriff Court Reports, page 93:

     Now, the pursuer avers that he sent timeous notice, in terms of the conditions, to the defender, the seller. Be it observed that the words are that the objection must be intimated to the auctioneers not later than 7 p.m. on the following Friday, not that the intimation must be received by them not later than that hour.

Synonyms

• opportune, seasonable; see also Thesaurus:timely

Derived terms

• timeously
• untimeous, untimous

See also

• timesome