opportune
Americanadjective
-
appropriate, favorable, or suitable.
an opportune phrase for the occasion.
- Synonyms:
- propitious, fortunate, apt
-
occurring or coming at an appropriate time; well-timed.
an opportune warning.
- Synonyms:
- convenient
adjective
-
occurring at a time that is suitable or advantageous
-
fit or suitable for a particular purpose or occurrence
Usage
What does opportune mean? Opportune means appropriate, favorable, or suitable for a particular situation or occasion. It can also mean coming at the right time. The terms timely and well-timed mean the same thing. Opportune is especially used in the phrases opportune moment and opportune time, meaning the moment that’s most suitable or favorable (for something to happen or be done). The opposite is inopportune, meaning inappropriate, inconvenient, or untimely, as in The audit was very inopportune—it came at the worst possible time. Example: I believe that now is the opportune time to bring out dessert.
Related Words
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 Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opportune
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin opportūnus “convenient,” equivalent to op- op- + portu-, stem of portus “access,” port 1 + -nus adjective suffix ( u lengthened as in tribūnus tribune 1 )
Explanation
Use the adjective opportune to describe especially good timing. A snowstorm is an opportune time to make extra money shoveling your neighbor's driveway. You can see the word opportunity in opportune. Both words come from the Latin word opportunus, meaning "favorable," which itself is derived from a phrase that describes wind blowing toward a port. Just as the wind helps speed ships toward shore, something that is opportune offers favorable circumstances for accomplishing something or doing something.
Vocabulary lists containing opportune
The Book Thief
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100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
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Latin Love, Vol I: portare
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Opportune is the move for P. A. A. in regard to mail contracts.
From Time Magazine Archive
Opportune for you, very ... miraculous, if I may say so.
From Mountain Blood A Novel by Hergesheimer, Joseph
"Opportune?" cried Cecilia, staring, "how opportune? this is the second time in the same morning that I am not able to understand you!"
From Cecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 1 by Burney, Fanny
"Opportune or no, it is the time which I have selected," the Duke answered stiffly.
From The Yellow Crayon by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)
Opportune are all the days when health spills over at the eye and ear and laughs through the lips.
From The Investment of Influence A Study of Social Sympathy and Service by Hillis, Newell Dwight
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
