on time
/ɒn taɪm/phrase★Beginner
formalinformal
Arriving or happening at the correct or scheduled time; punctual.
The train arrived on time despite the bad weather.
She always submits her reports on time.
💡
Often used to emphasize punctuality in professional or social contexts.
Collocations
be on timeto arrive or occur at the correct timearrive on timeto reach a destination punctually
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
behind schedulephrase
not on time; delayed
ahead of schedulephrase
earlier than expected
💡Pro Tip
Punctuality in Professional Settings
Using 'on time' in professional contexts, such as meetings or deadlines, is crucial for maintaining reliability and respect.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoiding Miscommunication
Ensure the context is clear when using 'on time' to avoid confusion between literal and figurative meanings.
📖Word Origin
Derived from the combination of the preposition 'on' and the noun 'time', emphasizing adherence to a schedule.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe punctuality. Often contrasted with 'late' or 'delayed'.
Word Breakdown
on
at the point of
prepositiontime
a specific moment or duration
nounEnglish Dictionary