opportune

[ op-er-toon, -tyoon ]
See synonyms for: opportuneopportunelyopportuneness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. appropriate, favorable, or suitable: an opportune phrase for the occasion.

  2. occurring or coming at an appropriate time; well-timed: an opportune warning.

Origin of opportune

1
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin opportūnus “convenient,” equivalent to op-op- + portu-, stem of portus “access,” port1 + -nus adjective suffix (u lengthened as in tribūnustribune1)

synonym study For opportune

2. Opportune, seasonable, timely refer to something that is particularly fitting or suitable for a certain time. Opportune refers to something that is well-timed and meets exactly the demands of the time or occasion: an opportune remark. Something that is seasonable is right or proper for the time or season or occasion: seasonable weather. Something that is timely occurs or is done at an appropriate time, especially in time to meet some need: timely intervention.

Other words for opportune

Other words from opportune

  • op·por·tune·ly, adverb
  • op·por·tune·ness, noun
  • un·op·por·tune, adjective
  • un·op·por·tune·ly, adverb
  • un·op·por·tune·ness, noun

Words that may be confused with opportune

Words Nearby opportune

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use opportune in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for opportune

opportune

/ (ˈɒpəˌtjuːn) /


adjective
  1. occurring at a time that is suitable or advantageous

  2. fit or suitable for a particular purpose or occurrence

Origin of opportune

1
C15: via Old French from Latin opportūnus, from ob- to + portus harbour (originally: coming to the harbour, obtaining timely protection)

Derived forms of opportune

  • opportunely, adverb
  • opportuneness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012