WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Op`por*tu"ni*ty
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [F. opportunit?, L. opportunitas. See Opportune.]
Definition : 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.

pl. Opportunities.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913