timing
Crucial comedic skill
Timing is the selection or control of when something happens.
Good timing means choosing the right moment; bad timing means choosing the wrong one: His timing was perfect—he asked for a raise right after landing the big account.
In performance, timing is the rhythm and pace of delivery—a comedian's timing determines whether jokes land.
In mechanics, timing refers to the synchronization of engine components: The car runs rough because the timing is off.
Aligning timing across systems
- syncingAligning to match
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- unisonSimultaneous identical action
orchestration · interplay · meshing · lockstep · choreography · dovetailing · concert · phase
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
- tempoRate of musical performance
- meterDevice that measures usage
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
syncopation · pulse · swing · downbeat · upbeat · backbeat · polyrhythm · measure
Plan of timed events
- calendarDate-tracking system
- agendaFormal discussion list
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- appointmentScheduled time for something
itinerary · timeline · slot · roster · planner · interval · duration · milestone
Spring-driven gear system
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
- escapementTick-controlling clock component
- oscillatorCyclic signal generator
- quartzCrystalline silicon dioxide
spring · movement · chronometer · stopwatch · horology · regulator · mainspring · cam
Methodical arrangement or request
- chronologyTemporal ordering of events
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
phases · chain · flow · cycle · before · after · concurrence · overlap
Brief period of time
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
- chanceLikelihood of occurrence
- occasionNotable event or moment
- openingGap or start
juncture · break · serendipity · luck · providence · fortuity · auspice · prospect
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
split-second · pinpoint · measurement · sharpness · refinement · optimization · delicacy · finesse
synchronization
Aligning timing across systems
unison · orchestration · interplay · meshing · lockstep · choreography · dovetailing · concert · phase · stagger
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
groove · syncopation · pulse · swing · downbeat · upbeat · backbeat · polyrhythm · measure · rubato
schedule
Plan of timed events
appointment · itinerary · timeline · slot · roster · planner · interval · duration · milestone · turnaround
clockwork
Spring-driven gear system
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
- escapementTick-controlling clock component
- oscillatorCyclic signal generator
quartz · spring · movement · chronometer · stopwatch · horology · regulator · mainspring · cam · camshaft
order
Methodical arrangement or request
- chronologyTemporal ordering of events
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
stages · phases · chain · flow · cycle · before · after · concurrence · overlap · lag
moment
Brief period of time
opening · juncture · break · serendipity · luck · providence · fortuity · auspice · prospect · clutch
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
adjustment · split-second · pinpoint · measurement · sharpness · refinement · optimization · delicacy · finesse · meticulousness
- expressionexpress, convey, communicate, verbal, nonverbal
- animationanimation, animator, animators, cartoon, cartoons
- Hip-Hoprapper, rappers, rhymes, beat, lyrics
- motor skillsmotor skills, fine motor skills, motor control, gross motor skills, walking
- rhythmbeat, pulse, tempo, downbeat, upbeat
- car maintenanceoil change, filter replacement, tune-up, spark plugs, tire rotation
timingmistiming
Error in when
bad timing · poor timing · ill-timed · untimeliness · randomness
timingcontent
What something contains
substance · material · message · subject matter · meaning
timingrandomness
Lack of predictable pattern
happenstance · chance · accident · spontaneity · impulsiveness
- perfect timingOptimal moment selection
- bad timing
- poor timingUnfortunate scheduling of events
- timing is everythingWhen you act determines success
- comedic timingHumor's rhythmic delivery
- comic timingHumor's rhythmic precision