opportune
Opportune (adjective) means Well-timed or well-suited for a particular purpose. Example: “It was an opportune moment to bring up the raise.”
How to use opportune
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening at just the right time to be useful or advantageous.
Don't confuse "opportune" (well-timed) with "important" (significant) — they aren't interchangeable even though both sound formal.
Word forms
more opportune comparative, most opportune superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was an _____ moment to bring up the raise.
Etymology
From Old French opportun, from Latin opportunus, literally "coming toward the harbor" — suggesting something arriving at just the right time.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for opportune
See all rhymes for opportune →Frequently asked questions
What does “opportune” mean?
The word “opportune” means well-timed or well-suited for a particular purpose. In plain terms, happening at just the right time to be useful or advantageous.
How do you pronounce “opportune”?
“Opportune” is pronounced o-puh-CHOON (/ˌɑ.pɚˈt͡ʃuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “opportune” in a sentence?
Here is “opportune” used in a sentence: “It was an opportune moment to bring up the raise.”
What is another word for “opportune”?
Words with a similar meaning to “opportune” include proper and timesome.
What is the opposite of “opportune”?
The opposite of “opportune” — its antonyms — are inappropriate, inopportune, improper, unseasonable and untime.
What part of speech is “opportune”?
“Opportune” is an adjective.
Where does the word “opportune” come from?
The word “opportune” comes from Latin. From Old French opportun, from Latin opportunus, literally "coming toward the harbor" — suggesting something arriving at just the right time.