premature
Occurring before the appropriate or expected time
Examples
In a meeting
“Announcing the merger now would be premature until legal reviews are complete.”
Over coffee
“Celebrating might be premature since we haven't received official confirmation yet.”
Why this word
early
premature means too early with negative implications, while early is neutral about timing
hasty
premature focuses on timing before readiness, while hasty emphasizes rushed manner
untimely
premature specifically means before the proper time, while untimely can also mean at an inappropriate time generally
Usage tip
Use to caution against acting too soon. Implies timing is critical to success.
Etymology
Latin 'praematurus' — 'prae' (before) + 'maturus' (ripe, mature), meaning ripe too early
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Related words
synchronize
Make things happen at the same time or work together
caveat
A warning or limitation to consider
fortuitous
Happening by chance in a lucky or beneficial way
precede
To come before something in time, order, or position
inadvisable
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences
impending
About to happen soon, often with negative implications