opportune

[op-er-toon, -tyoon]

adjective

1. appropriate, favorable, or suitable.

   an opportune phrase for the occasion.

   Synonyms: propitious, fortunate, apt

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

   an opportune warning.

   Synonyms: convenient

opportune

/ ˈɒpəˌtjuːn /

adjective

1. occurring at a time that is suitable or advantageous

2. fit or suitable for a particular purpose or occurrence

Other Word Forms

• opportunely adverb
• opportuneness noun
• unopportune adjective
• unopportunely adverb
• unopportuneness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportune¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportune¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

He said that his health and his party would determine that – as well as whether it was politically opportune and whether he stood a chance of winning.

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"It is unfortunate that while the family and I are still in mourning, some people have chosen this as an opportune time to wrest control and usurp the family legacy," she wrote.

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“How to Train Your Dragon” comes at an opportune time for family films.

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These figures provide an opportune moment for some optimism and a hard sell of the UK to the rest of the world.

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But the pitch came at an opportune moment.

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Related Words

• auspicious 
• convenient 
• favorable 
• felicitous 
• propitious 
• timely 
• timeous 
• well-timed 

When To Use

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.