Opportune comes from Latin opportūnus, which can mean "favoring one's needs," "serviceable," or "convenient." The word is a combination of the prefix ob-, meaning "to," and portus, a word for a port or harbor. It alludes to choosing any port in a storm for safety.
There isn't a more opportune time to invest in the stock market. an opportune rain shower gave them an excuse to leave the outdoor concert early
Recent Examples on the WebThe death of al-Qaeda’s leader is an opportune moment to reflect on the dangerous incoherence of the Biden administration’s foreign policy. Ilan Berman, National Review, 5 Aug. 2022 This is an opportune time to resolve a decadeslong issue, South Shore Line President Michael Noland told the NICTD board. Tim Zorn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2022 The Nordstrom bedding deals are coming in hot for the next month, making now an opportune time to refresh your linens with some luxury finds. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 15 July 2022 With such a labor shortage, this is an opportune time to embark on a career change. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 12 July 2022 Hotter weather, growing demand could mean rolling blackouts across the Midwest this summer, according to reports Those who examine climate trends say the idea is arriving at an opportune time. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 11 July 2022 The Detroit Tigers received some Miggy magic at an opportune time. Mason Young, Detroit Free Press, 6 July 2022 This is an opportune time to remember how the birth of this country has given us certain natural rights — among them are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.Hartford Courant, 3 July 2022 While not intentional perhaps, the Suárez- Freeway Insurance campaign was launched at an opportune time. Greg Engle, Forbes, 12 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French opportun, borrowed from Latin opportūnus "favoring one's needs, serviceable, convenient," probably originally, "blowing in the direction of a harbor (of a wind)," from ob-ob- + portu-, stem of portus "harbor, port entry 1" + -nus, adjective suffix (vowel length perhaps after the ablative portū)
Note: The name of a god of harbors, Portūnus, appears to be a secondary formation by analogy with Neptūnus "Neptune."