ŏp'por-tū'ni-ty, n.

n. [Lat. opportunitas, It. opportunità, Sp. oportunidad, Pr. opportunitat, Fr. opportunité. See supra.] 1. Fit or convenient time; a time favorable for the purpose; suitable time combined with other favorable circumstances. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Bacon. I had an opportunity to see the cloud descend. Browne. Neglect no opportunity of doing good. Atterbury.

2. Fitness; convenience. [Obs.] “Hull, a town of great strength and opportunity both to sea and land affairs.” Milton.
3. Importunity; earnestness. [Obs.]

He that creates us, and daily feeds us, he that entreats us to be happy, with an importunity so passionate, as if not we, but himself, were to receive the favor. Bp. Taylor. 4. Occurrence; occasion. [Obs.] “The opportunity of temptations.” Bp. 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, &c., for the doing of a thing. Hence, opportunities often spring out of occasions. We may have occasion to meet a person frequently without getting an opportunity to converse with him (as we desire) on a given subject. We act as the occasion may require; we embrace or improve an opportunity. How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge? Shak. Farewell; I will omit no opportunity That may convey my greetings, love, to thee. Shak.