timely

Syllables:
ti·me·ly
3 syllables
timely in syllables

About "timely"

Syllables
3
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "timely" into Syllables

The word timely is divided into 3 syllables: ti·me·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ti — 1st syllable
  • me — 2nd syllable
  • ly — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of timely:

  • IPA: /ˈtaɪmli/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. timely (comparative timelier, superlative timeliest)
  2. Done at the proper time or within the proper time limits; prompt.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English timely, tymely, timliche, from Old English *tīmlīc (adjective) and tīmlīċe (“in good time; timely; soon”, adverb), equivalent to time +‎ -ly. Cognate with Danish timelig, Swedish timlig, Icelandic tímalegur, tímanlegur.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down timely into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare timely with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
timely 3 ti·me·ly
tonal 2 ton-al
tunnel 2 tun-nel
toenail 2 toe-nail
Tamil 2 ta-mil

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to timely:

Tim, time, timer, Timex, timid, Timmy, Timon, Timor.

Frequently Asked Questions About "timely"

How many syllables does "timely" have?

timely has 3 syllables: ti·me·ly. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "timely"?

The stress is on the first syllable: ti. This means you emphasize the "ti" part when pronouncing timely.

How do you pronounce "timely"?

timely is pronounced as /ˈtaɪmli/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ti·me·ly.

Is "timely" easy to spell?

Breaking timely into syllables helps with spelling: ti·me·ly. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "timely" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.