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. -- 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.