Timeously

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈtaɪməsli/

Definitions

1. In a way that ensures promptness and adherence to a specified timeframe
2. In a manner that reflects both punctuality and meeting necessary deadlines or timeframes
3. Doing something promptly so it fits into the needed schedule

Etymology: Timeously is a plain formation: the adjective "timeous", meaning "in good time" or "at the proper time", with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added. The adjective goes back through Middle English and Scots forms to Old English "-līċe", the same suffix that gave English most of its "-ly" adverbs, and it is ultimately built on the Germanic root that also produced the "-ly" ending in words like "quickly" and "gladly". The adjective "timeous" is the older and more distinctive part. It is especially associated with Scots and Scottish legal English, where it has long been used in contracts and statutes to require action within a reasonable or stipulated period. That legal flavour explains why the adverb often sounds more formal than "promptly" or "on time".

Synonyms: promptly, timely

Antonyms: late