timing
/ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtī-miŋ/ (ame, mw)
timing — noun
- timingsingular
- timingsplural
1. the specific moment when something happens, chosen because it is a good or suita
the specific moment when something happens, chosen because it is a good or suitable time for it.
The timing of the wedding was moved to spring because of the weather.
the timing of [event] — specifying which event
Karim questioned the timing of the announcement since finals were that week.
Iris launched the sun-lotion campaign in October, but the timing was wrong since beach season was over.
Good timing helped the company launch its app just before the holiday rush.
The timing of the train strike caused chaos for thousands of morning commuters.
- scheduling
more formal; refers to the act of planning times for events rather than the moment itself
- moment
a specific point in time, but without the sense of suitability that 'timing' carries
文法句型
the timing of [event]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' to specify the event or action whose moment is being discussed (the timing of the announcement, the timing of the decision). Frequently modified by adjectives like 'good,' 'bad,' 'perfect,' or 'poor.'
常見錯誤
2. the fixed hours during which a person normally works or a business is open to se
the fixed hours during which a person normally works or a business is open to serve customers.
The clinic timing is from eight in the morning until six at night.
[place] timing — the business hours of a specific place
Nellie checked the museum timing on the website before her visit.
The bank changed its timing and now opens an hour later on Mondays.
What are the timings for the post office on Saturdays?
- hours
more common in American English; less formal
- opening hours
common in British English for businesses; more explicit
- business hours
neutral term, used in both American and British English
文法句型
[place] timing
timing of [place]
用法筆記
Primarily used in British English; American English prefers 'hours,' 'business hours,' or 'opening hours.' Sense 2 may sound unnatural to American readers. The plural form 'timings' is sometimes used interchangeably in this sense (What are the pub's timings?).
常見錯誤
3. the inborn or developed ability to pick the most effective instant for an action
the inborn or developed ability to pick the most effective instant for an action or remark, making the outcome as strong as possible.
The comedian's timing was so precise that every joke got a big laugh.
Élise showed perfect timing when she asked for a promotion after the big sale.
perfect / excellent / impeccable timing — strong adjective modifiers
A football goalkeeper needs excellent timing to dive and save penalties.
Sari's timing in the debate helped her respond before her opponent could speak.
Lakan's good social timing at the team dinner meant he waited until the laughter stopped before speaking.
文法句型
have (good/perfect/excellent) timing
[activity] timing
用法筆記
Frequently appears with strong positive or negative adjectives (impeccable timing, terrible timing). The skill can be innate (natural timing) or developed through practice. Common in contexts like comedy, sports, and business negotiations.
常見錯誤
4. the capacity to keep a steady pulse in music and to perform each note at the exa
the capacity to keep a steady pulse in music and to perform each note at the exact instant required by the piece.
The drummer's steady timing kept the whole band playing together.
Nia used a metronome every day to improve her timing on the violin.
improve (your / one's) timing on [instrument]
The choir director said the tenor section needs to fix their timing.
Astrid's timing was slightly off during the fast part of the piano sonata.
Musicians in a band must listen closely to each other to keep good timing.
文法句型
keep timing
work on (your) timing
timing on [instrument]
用法筆記
Often used with verbs like 'keep,' 'improve,' 'work on,' or 'fix.' A metronome is the most common tool for practising timing. Contrast with 'rhythm,' which refers to the pattern of long and short notes; 'timing' focuses on speed and steadiness.