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opportunity - 4 dictionary results

op⋅por⋅tu⋅ni⋅ty

[op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-]
–noun, plural -ties.
1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion: Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.
2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME opportunite < MF < L opportūnitās convenience, fitness, equiv. to opportūn(us) (see opportune ) + -itās- -ity
op·por·tu·ni·ty   (ŏp'ər-tōō'nĭ-tē, -tyōō'-)   
n.   pl. op·por·tu·ni·ties
    1. A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances.
    2. A favorable or suitable occasion or time.
  1. A chance for progress or advancement.
Synonyms: These nouns refer to a favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. Opportunity is an auspicious state of affairs or a suitable time: "If you prepare yourself . . . you will be able to grasp opportunity for broader experience when it appears" (Eleanor Roosevelt).
Occasion suggests the proper time for action: an auspicious occasion; an occasion for celebration.
An opening is an opportunity affording a good possibility of success: waited patiently for her opening, then exposed the report's inconsistency.
Chance often implies an opportunity that arises through luck or accident: a chance for us to chat; no chance of losing.
A break is an often sudden piece of luck, especially good luck: got his first big break in Hollywood.

Opportunity

Op`por*tu"ni*ty\, n.; pl. Opportunities. [F. opportunit['e], L. opportunitas. See Opportune.]

1. Fit or convenient time; a time or place favorable for executing a purpose; a suitable combination of conditions; suitable occasion; chance.

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. --Bacon.

2. Convenience of situation; fitness. [Obs.]

Hull, a town of great strength and opportunity, both to sea and land affairs. --Milton.

3. Importunity; earnestness. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.

Syn: Occasion; convenience; occurrence.

Usage: Opportunity, Occasion. An occasion is that which falls in our way, or presents itself in the course of events; an opportunity is a convenience or fitness of time, place, etc., for the doing of a thing. Hence, occasions often make opportunities. The occasion of sickness may give opportunity for reflection.
Language Translation for : opportunity
Spanish: oportunidad, ocasión,
German: die Gelegenheit,
Japanese: 機会

opportunity 
1375, from O.Fr. opportunite (13c.), from L. opportunitatem (nom. opportunitas) "fitness, suitableness, favorable time," from opportunus (see opportune).
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