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

Derived Forms

• ˈopporˌtuneness, noun
• ˈopporˌtunely, adverb

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

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

Yasumura’s first touchdown catch of the season came at an opportune time.

From Los Angeles Times

Some commenters decided that was an opportune time to denigrate the sisters’ looks.

From Los Angeles Times

It is opportune timing for the new chancellor and government, with a strong pound helping contain some inflationary pressures from imports.

From BBC

“However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”

From Seattle Times

However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”

From BBC

Related Words

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

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.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to opportune?

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

What are some synonyms for opportune?

• suitable
• appropriate
• convenient
• apt
• fitting
• timely
• well-timed
• auspicious
• felicitous
• fortuitous
• fortunate
• propitious

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

• opportunity
• opportunistic
• opportunism
• port

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

• time
• moment
• perfect
• timing
• proper
• occasion
• situation

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.

Running to catch the subway and getting your foot stuck between the doors at the opportune moment so you can get on https://t.co/AA3znjQB4l

— John Haltiwanger (@jchaltiwanger) November 12, 2020

Dr Christopher Browning, says of #SelfCareWeek:“This is an opportune time to remind people just how much help their local pharmacy can offer.Many pharmacies are open long hours and you don’t need an appointment to speak with the pharmacist."https://t.co/urUjkTbZCe@SuffolkLPC pic.twitter.com/wv23zdgnpN

— IpswichESuffolkCCG (@IESCCG) November 12, 2020

It is an opportune day for self improvement

— OpTic Scump (@scump) October 27, 2018

 

Try using opportune!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for opportune? 

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