opportune

USAGE SUMMARY

"opportune" is a word that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that happens at a favorable or suitable time. For example, "We caught the bus at an opportune time and arrived just before it started raining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to continue counting carbs and measuring insulin and finding an opportune moment to inject.

The Guardian

He is aware of this charm and deploys it to great effect: pulling his chair so close that our legs are almost touching, using my first name at opportune moments.

The Guardian - Music

But as I say – has there ever been an opportune moment to make a giant horse?

The Guardian - Arts

ReprintsManuel José Cepeda, a former constitutional-court justice, concedes that objections to previous drafts, one of which would have removed all military cases from civilian courts, were "opportune".

The Economist

Enter Cassandra Second thoughts A deal at dawn ReprintsIn it, Portugal acknowledged that Macau was part of China, which had sovereignty over the enclave; that Macau was an issue "left over by history"; and therefore that its future should be negotiated at an "opportune" time.

The Economist

Whether this makes it more or less intransigent is open to debate, but the moment is opportune for it to declare a ceasefire.

The Economist

With just over 100 days of that presidency to go, this is an opportune time for Justin Webb and Bronwen Maddox, respectively of the BBC and the Times, to remind the world that America and its current president are not the same thing.In many ways the two volumes, both of them quick and enjoyable reads, could hardly be more different.

The Economist

This was the American dream writ large and ridiculous, with protagonists who were deliciously ripe for satire.But Ms Greenfield's timing was awkwardly opportune, as a year later the credit crunch hit David's timeshare empire, Westgate Resorts.

The Economist

With a wretched economy and long to-do list, it hardly seems an opportune moment.

The Economist

This makes it an opportune moment to promote an idea whose time has come:  hedging your net psychic wealth.Whether you are laying in champagne or valium in anticipation of tomorrow's results, you can make yourself better off by betting against the outcome you desire.

The Economist

As the business enters a new phase, Microsoft may see an opportune moment to trample into it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opportune", ensure the context clearly indicates what the timing is favorable for. Providing this context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "opportune" when the timing is merely convenient but not truly critical or advantageous. Overusing the word can dilute its impact, making it sound less significant than intended.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "opportune" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing them as particularly favorable or suitable for a specific purpose or action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opportune" is an adjective used to describe something that occurs at a favorable or suitable time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to highlight advantageous timing. Its meaning is closely related to words like "well-timed" and "advantageous". While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and business contexts. Remember to use "an" before "opportune" and be sure the context underscores why the moment is particularly favorable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-timed

Focuses on the timing being advantageous or suitable.

timely

Emphasizes that something happens at the right time, especially to address a need.

advantageous

Highlights the beneficial aspect of the timing or situation.

favorable

Indicates that the circumstances are conducive to success or positive outcomes.

suitable

Stresses that the timing or situation is appropriate for a specific purpose.

propitious

Implies a more formal or literary tone, suggesting that the circumstances are particularly favorable.

auspicious

Similar to "propitious" but often used in contexts related to beginnings or significant events.

strategic

Highlights the calculated or planned nature of choosing the right moment.

expedient

Focuses on the practicality and efficiency of taking advantage of a particular moment.

golden

Describes a period or opportunity that is highly valuable and should not be missed.

FAQs

How can I use "opportune" in a sentence?

Use "opportune" to describe a time or situation that is particularly suitable or advantageous for a specific purpose. For example, "This is an opportune moment to launch the new product."

What can I say instead of "opportune"?

You can use alternatives like "well-timed", "timely", or "advantageous" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an opportune time" or "a opportune time"?

It is correct to say "an opportune time" because "opportune" begins with a vowel sound. Using "a" before a vowel sound is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "opportune" and "convenient"?

"Opportune" implies a more significant advantage or suitability, while "convenient" simply means easy or practical. "Opportune" suggests a moment that should be seized for optimal results, whereas "convenient" refers to something that fits easily into one's schedule or plans.