Definition

1. Noun:
   • The regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect: This refers to the careful control of when things happen, their speed, or their synchronization, especially in fields like music, theater, sports, or mechanics.
   • The time when something happens: This refers to the specific point in time at which an event occurs.

Usage and Examples

• As a noun (regulation of pace/coordination):

  • The comedian's perfect timing made the joke even funnier. (Here, timing refers to the precise control of the pause and delivery for comedic effect.)
  • Good engine timing is crucial for a car's performance. (Here, timing refers to the precise coordination of mechanical parts like spark plugs and valves.)
  • The success of the play depended on the actors' timing. (Here, timing refers to the actors' coordination of their lines and movements.)

• As a noun (time of occurrence):

  • The timing of the announcement was unfortunate, coming right after the bad news. (Here, timing refers to the specific moment the announcement was made.)
  • We need to discuss the timing of the product launch. (Here, timing refers to the chosen date or schedule for the launch.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Sense of timing": An innate or developed skill for judging the right moment to act or speak.
  • A great dancer has an excellent sense of timing.
• "Timing is everything": A common idiom emphasizing that success often depends on doing something at exactly the right moment.
  • In comedy and in business, timing is everything.

Variants and Related Words

• Time (verb/noun): The base word. As a verb, it can mean to measure or schedule something.
  • He timed his run perfectly.
• Well-timed (adjective): Occurring at an opportune or effective moment.
  • A well-timed investment.
• Ill-timed (adjective): Occurring at an inappropriate or disadvantageous moment.
  • An ill-timed comment.

Synonyms

• Synchronization: Coordinating events to operate in unison.
• Pacing: The regulation of speed or rate.
• Schedule: A plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Perfect timing: Said when someone arrives or something happens at the ideal moment.
  • You're here! Perfect timing; we need your help.
• Off timing: When something is not synchronized or happens at a bad moment.
  • His joke had off timing and nobody laughed.

Noun

1. the regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect (as in music, theater, athletics, mechanics)
2. the time when something happens