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View synonyms for opportune

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
“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


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Derived Forms

  • ˈopporˌtuneness, noun
  • ˈopporˌtunely, adverb
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Other Words From

  • 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
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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 )
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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)
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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.
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Example Sentences

This is an opportune time for Dončić to show he has what it takes to get the young, new-look Mavs where they want to be — if not now, soon.

Dixie, a bluetick coonhound, just cannot shut up at the least opportune times.

“We’re seeing a lot of marketers rethink media strategies this year and many believe the remaining months are an opportune time to start on TikTok,” said Sam Gormley, founder of digital agency Osaka Labs.

From Digiday

For some entrepreneurs who have had an idea for an agency ticking away, the pandemic has been an opportune moment to do something about it — a sort of now or never moment.

From Digiday

After struggling quite a bit in Game 3, Davis wasn’t overly dominant in Game 4, but his biggest plays came at incredibly opportune moments.

But he also knew that the moment for ordering mass variolation would have to be opportune.

Overall, the retreat and its unusual list of speakers comes at an opportune time for the House GOP.

Regional, global, and political conditions were all converging to make this an opportune moment to advance negotiations.

This is also an opportune time, I suppose, to bring back Allen Guelzo's epic review of the movie.

And that sort of specificity, for a politician rebuilding his image, will never be opportune.

You are very kind, sir,” he said; “my companions and I shall feel deeply indebted to you for this opportune assistance.

For the first time in her life she was self-conscious: I will wait for a more opportune time to tell him, she thought.

She felt that the time was opportune to plant the seed of self-control within the young heart.

Certainly nothing could have been more opportune than Uchida's reappearance, or more welcome than his proposed assistance.

At this opportune moment Lieutenant Hale came galloping up with the rear guard.

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More About Opportune

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.

Where does opportune come from?

The first records of the word opportune come from around 1400. It comes from the Latin opportūnus, meaning “convenient.” The port in opportūnus referred to a seaport—the word originally meant “coming to the harbor and obtaining timely protection.”

The word opportunity is based on the same root. The best opportunities come at an opportune time—the time when they can be taken advantage of. The words opportunist, opportunistic, and opportunism are also based on the same root. These words are typically used in a negative way, but they involve taking advantage of the opportune moment to do something.

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What are some other forms related to opportune?

  • opportunely (adverb)
  • opportuneness (noun)
  • inopportune (adjective)

What are some synonyms for opportune?

What are some words that share a root or word element with opportune

What are some words that often get used in discussing opportune?

How is opportune used in real life?

Opportune is especially used to describe the word time or moment to indicate that it is the perfect time for something to happen.

 

Try using opportune!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for opportune

A. convenient
B. apt
C. fortunate
D. inappropriate

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opponentopportunism