opportunity
pronunciation
How to pronounce opportunity in British English:
UK [ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti]
How to pronounce opportunity in American English:
US [ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti]
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- Noun:
- a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
Word Origin
- opportunity
- opportunity: [14] Opportunity has its origins in a Latin nautical term denoting ‘favourable winds’. This was opportūnus, a compound adjective formed from the prefix ob- ‘to’ and portus ‘harbour’ (source of English port). It was used originally for winds, ‘blowing towards the harbour’, and since it is good when such advantageous winds arrive, it developed metaphorically to ‘coming at a convenient time’. From it English got opportune [15] and the derived opportunity. Opportunism [19] is a much more recent introduction, which originated in the world of Italian politics.=> port
- opportunity (n.)
- late 14c., from Old French opportunite (13c.) and directly from Latin opportunitatem (nominative opportunitas) "fitness, convenience, suitableness, favorable time," from opportunus (see opportune). Opportunity cost attested from 1911. Expression opportunity knocks but once (at any man's door) attested from 1898.
Example
- 1. He has a golden opportunity to act boldly now .
- 2. There is a big opportunity here .
- 3. Gather customer feedback at every opportunity .
- 4. Now is the opportunity to start contributing to progress .
- 5. Nobody wants to live with a blown opportunity on their conscience .