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Glite Dictionary
⏰ Punctual 💳 Paid in parts
on time

on time

321 1.0
At the expected time
  • idiom
translation icon : a tiempo
  • We're guaranteeing an on time close every single time.
  • arrive on time
  • complete on time
  • pay on time

One is that I'm always on time and I'm not.

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Examples

  • Oh my God, thank goodness I got here on time.

    Remember Me (2022)

  • Will we be at the rendezvous on time?

    Camp Daze (2005)

  • Just show up on time, you know, and wow.

  • And I always delivered on time, did the best I could.

  • This is why they have been on time for the class.

    Linus Tech Tips

  • - The money was delivered on time, job done.

    The Courier (2012)

  • You better be here on time.

    Take the Night (2022)

  • Students can now get to class on time and have their cars returned to them shiny clean.

    Academic text (2011)

  • I will show up to class on time whenever I'm supposed to.

  • Please ensure that you arrive on time for the meeting tomorrow.

Synonyms

on schedule
vson time
78 2.0

Happens at the planned time and is not late

is used for single events rather than ongoing timetable adherence
right on time
vson time
43 1.2

At exactly the planned time

is the neutral expression for being at the planned time
on the dot
vson time
11 2.8

At exactly the planned time

is similar but less focused on minute precision
punctually
vson time
1 3.5

At the exact time expected

is the phrase used for being at the expected time

Antonyms

late
∞ 1.0

After the usual or planned time

delayed
1 1.3

Slower than usual in development or learning

How Punctual

early
∞ 1.0
on time
321 1.0
late
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

on time positive

Morphology

on + time

The sense 'paid for in regular installments' cannot be transparently derived from the literal meanings of 'on' (a preposition) and 'time' (a point or period); a B1 learner who knows the words would most likely interpret 'on time' as 'punctual' rather than a commercial/installment meaning. The installment meaning is specialized/idiomatic usage (e.g. 'buy on time' = buy on credit) and is not a predictable compositional extension, so learners will need exposure to learn it.

Etymology

On time may come from the simple image of being right on the time, like a train that stops exactly when the clock says. So, on time means arriving at the planned moment, 'punctual'.