Trivia Time

In its Latin origin, opportunity is linked to what idea?

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opportunity

American  

[op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-] / ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪ ti, -ˈtju- /

noun

• opportunities
  plural

1. 

   an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.

   Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.

2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.

3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

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opportunity British  

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances

2. a chance or prospect

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• opportunities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of opportunity

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English opportunite, from Middle French, from Latin opportūnitās “convenience, fitness,” equivalent to opportūn(us) ( see opportune) + -itās -ity

Explanation

Seize the noun, opportunity, if you're talking about circumstances that allow you do to something you'd like to do. Wouldn't you love to have the opportunity to meet your favorite musician? When the situation is right for you to do something you're interested in doing, you have the opportunity to do it. The word comes from the Latin phrase, ob portum veniens "coming toward a port" which refers to a favorable wind blowing ships into the harbor. Think of an opportunity as something a good wind blew your way.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

opportunity opportunities

"We see it as a big opportunity for the future in terms of how we would make our tiles," Learoyd says.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

For the actors it was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of friendship, and to share stories from behind the wheel.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

Doe’s complaint alleges that the university only temporarily suspended some of the men and that others “were afforded the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

And plague symptoms emerge really quickly, sometimes within a day, which means less opportunity for an infected person to spread the disease without knowing.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

He meant it was a big opportunity to take part in Fire Prevention Day and get a T-shirt and have their picture taken.

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson

“All detainees are provided with proper meals, water, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” the statement read.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

When the VIX spikes above 30, that has historically been the kind of environment where long-term investors should start looking for opportunities rather than running for cover.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

This is testament to the maturity and mainstreaming of bitcoin into portfolios, and we’re seeing the same opportunities and choices coming to the crypto market that came to other markets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Now in its 50th year, the charity was set up to give opportunities to deprived and marginalised young people - and has so far helped 1.3 million people across the UK.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

The constant probing of the president's wound, insertions of tubes, and surgical incisions created plenty of opportunities for bacteria to enter Garfield's body.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• convenience
• event
• excuse
• freedom
• hope
• moment
• space
• time