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.