in time
English meaning: In time
Definition
Early enough to do something before a deadline or before it is too late.
Example
“We arrived in time to catch the last train.”
Another example: “We got to the platform just in time to catch the last train home.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral phrase meaning early enough to avoid being too late, often followed by 'to do something' or 'for something'. Learners should distinguish it carefully from 'on time', which means at the exact scheduled moment.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'in' plus 'time', meaning within the available period.
Synonyms
- in good time
- early enough
- with time to spare
- timely
Antonyms / Opposites
- too late
Related Words
Common Collocations
- just in time
- in time for
- in time to
- arrive in time
- not in time
Word Forms
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Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B