What does opportune mean?
Opportune describes something that occurs at a particularly suitable time or creates a favorable advantage. It is often used for actions, moments, opportunities, or circumstances that are well timed and likely to be useful. For example, a quiet period may be an opportune time to concentrate, while the arrival of additional resources may be an opportune development. The word has a formal, positive tone and conveys more than mere convenience: it suggests that the timing is especially appropriate or advantageous. It should not be confused with opportunistic, which usually means taking advantage of a situation, sometimes in a calculated or ethically questionable way. The related noun opportunity comes from the same Latin root and is similarly common in formal and informal English.
adjectiveHappening at a suitable or convenient time; especially favorable or advantageous.
- Happening at a suitable or convenient time; favorable or advantageous.
"The manager chose an opportune moment to announce the changes."
"The arrival of the rescue team was opportune."
"She recognized an opportune opportunity to discuss the proposal."
A perfectly timed idea is opportune; the word comes from the Latin for something that arrives at the right port.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opportune come from?
Opportune entered English from Latin opportunus, meaning suitable, favorable, or convenient, through French usage. The word is related to a family of English forms including opportunity, opportunist, opportunism, and opportunistic, all of which share the same Latin foundation. Its modern sense reflects the idea of timing that brings benefit or allows action to proceed successfully.
How opportune is actually used
Opportune is formal and often describes a moment that is not merely convenient but especially favorable. It is distinct from opportunistic, which can suggest exploiting a situation for personal gain.
Easily confused with opportune
Opportune means happening at a suitable time, whereas opportunistic means taking advantage of a situation, often without regard for principle or fairness.