opportune

[op-er-toon, -tyoon] /ˌɒp ərˈtun, -ˈtyun/

adjective

appropriate, favorable, or suitable:

an opportune phrase for the occasion.

occurring or coming at an appropriate time; well-timed:

an opportune warning.

Origin

1375-1425; late Middle English < Latin opportūnus convenient, equivalent to op- op- + portu-, stem of portus access, port¹ + -nus adj. suffix (u lengthened as in tribūnus tribune)

Related forms

opportunely, adverb

opportuneness, noun

unopportune, adjective

unopportunely, adverb

unopportuneness, noun

Can be confused

opportune, opportunistic (see synonym study at the current entry)

Synonyms

1. apt; fortunate, propitious. 2. convenient. 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.

Examples from the web for opportune

Some industry experts say that this is an opportune time to make a move into these nascent markets.
With a wretched economy and long to-do list, it hardly seems an opportune moment.
In brief, although another site could probably be found, research to reuse the spent nuclear fuel would be opportune.
It is hardly an opportune time to discuss a change in compensation models.
He and his cronies are waiting for an opportune moment.
All this could not have come at a more opportune time for frazzled cooks.
With a wretched economy and long to-do list, it is not an opportune moment.
The pursuit of the record could not have come at a more opportune time for baseball.
If there ever was a financially opportune time to invest in green technology it is now.
Whether this makes it more or less intransigent is open to debate, but the moment is opportune for it to declare a ceasefire.

British Dictionary definitions for opportune

opportune

/ˈɒpəˌtjuːn/

adjective

occurring at a time that is suitable or advantageous

fit or suitable for a particular purpose or occurrence

Derived Forms

opportunely, adverb
opportuneness, noun

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for opportune

adj.

c.1400, from Old French opportun and directly from Latin opportunus "fit, convenient, suitable, favorable," from the phrase ob portum veniens "coming toward a port," in reference to the wind, from ob "to, toward" (see ob-) + portus "harbor" (see port (n.1)). Related: Opportunely.