timing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral
Quick answer
What does “timing” mean?
The choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done or happen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done or happen.
The ability to do something at the most effective or advantageous time; coordination in time; in mechanics, the adjustment of the time of ignition or other events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the word is standard in both dialects with identical meanings.
Connotations
Both convey a sense of precision, appropriateness, or sometimes luck related to time.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English across various contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “timing” in a Sentence
the timing of [noun]with [adjective] timing[verb] the timingtiming for [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “timing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He timed his departure to avoid the traffic jam.
- They are timing the intervals between musical notes.
American English
- She timed her presentation to end before lunch.
- We need to time the sprinklers to water the lawn at dawn.
adverb
British English
- He arrived timely for the appointment, avoiding any delay.
- The response was timed precisely to meet the deadline.
American English
- She acted timely to resolve the issue before it escalated.
- The system is timed automatically to adjust for daylight saving.
adjective
British English
- The well-timed intervention prevented a crisis.
- A poorly-timed comment can ruin a conversation.
American English
- His perfectly-timed joke lightened the mood.
- The ill-timed email caused unnecessary alarm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The timing of the product launch is critical for market penetration and investor confidence.
Academic
In psychological studies, precise timing is essential for measuring reaction times accurately.
Everyday
Her timing was spot-on when she arrived just as the movie started.
Technical
In engine design, the timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “timing”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “timing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “timing”
- Using 'timing' as a verb (e.g., 'I am timing the event' is correct for 'to time', but 'timing' as a noun should not be used as a verb).
- Confusing 'timing' with 'time' in phrases like 'on time' (punctual) versus 'good timing' (appropriate moment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Timing' is typically uncountable when referring to the general skill or act, but it can be countable in technical or specific contexts, e.g., 'different timings for various engine cycles'.
In sports, 'timing' often denotes the precision in executing movements, such as a swimmer's timing in strokes or a boxer's timing in punches, crucial for performance and strategy.
Yes, 'timings' can be used when referring to multiple instances or specific measurements of time, e.g., 'The timings of the experiments were recorded meticulously'.
'Timing' focuses on the choice or precision of when something occurs, often implying skill or chance, while 'scheduling' refers to the planned arrangement of events over time, more about organization and logistics.
The choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done or happen.
Timing is usually neutral in register.
Timing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪmɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪmɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Timing is everything.”
- “In the nick of time”
- “Right on time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'timing' as 'time' + 'ing' – it's the action or skill involved in managing when things happen.
Conceptual Metaphor
Time as a strategic resource to be allocated; events as musical performances requiring rhythm and harmony.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'timing' primarily refer to in most contexts?