Dictionary entry

Opportunity

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Op′por‐tu″ni‐ty (?), n.; pl.Opportunities (#). [F. opportunité, 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.

Hull, a town of great strength and opportunity, both to sea and land affairs. Milton.

3. Importunity; earnestness. 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.