timing
timing
UK[ˈtaɪmɪŋ]US[ˈtaɪmɪŋ]
n
the choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done
n
the ability to do something at exactly the right time
n
the time when something happens
Morpheme Breakdown
time
ing
time
noun
ing
gerund suffix
Etymology
the word 'timing' is a modern english formation built upon the ancient germanic root for time. the old english noun tīma, meaning a period or season, evolved from proto-germanic \tīmô and is related to the concept of 'tide,' originally signifying a fixed time. the addition of the gerund suffix '-ing,' derived from old english -ung, transforms the static concept of 'time' into an active noun denoting the measurement, regulation, or skillful selection of a moment. this morphological shift reflects a move from a general temporal concept to a specific, process-oriented skill, central to contexts like sports, music, and strategy, where precise temporal control is paramount.
Analysis
Structure: time (noun) + ing (gerund suffix)
- time: from old english tīma (a period, a space of time), of germanic origin; related to tide. functions as the core noun root.
- ing: from old english -ung, -ing, a suffix forming nouns from verbs, denoting an action or its result. functions as a nominalizing suffix.
Examples
the comedian's perfect timing had the audience roaring with laughter.
good timing is essential for a successful product launch.
the timing of the announcement was unfortunate, coinciding with the bad news.