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opportunity

 - 3 dictionary results

op⋅por⋅tu⋅ni⋅ty

  [op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-]
Use opportunity in a Sentence
–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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To opportunity
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.

  2. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

opportunity 
1375, from O.Fr. opportunite (13c.), from L. opportunitatem (nom. opportunitas) "fitness, suitableness, favorable time," from opportunus (see opportune).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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