in-time
|in-time|
/ɪnˈtaɪm/
(in time)
within the needed time
Etymology
'in' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'in', where the root meant 'in, into, within'; 'time' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'tīma', meaning 'time, season'.
'in' remained as Old English 'in' into Middle English and modern English as 'in'; 'tīma' in Old English became Middle English 'time' and then modern English 'time', forming the phrase 'in time'.
Initially, the components meant 'within' and 'time' respectively, and the phrase originally conveyed the literal sense of being 'within the appropriate time'; over time it developed the more specific senses of 'early enough', 'eventually', and 'synchronized with the beat'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
synchronized with the beat or tempo; performed at the correct timing (often used of music or coordinated action).
The drummer kept an in-time rhythm throughout the song.
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Adverb 1
early enough; before a deadline or before something happens, so that there is sufficient time to avoid a problem or to do something.
She arrived in-time to catch the last train.
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Adverb 2
after some passage of time; eventually or in due course (often implying a gradual change or outcome).
Don't worry — things will work out in-time.
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Last updated: 2025/09/10 12:25