Opportunity Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：favorable chance (opportunity)

opportunity 🔊

/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

A time when something good can happen or you can do something you want.

Opportunity illustrated as a person choosing a new, sunlit path labeled 'New Opportunity' at a crossroads.

favorable chance 🔊

➕

/ˈfeɪvərəbl tʃæns/

A specific time or set of circumstances that makes it favorable or especially suitable to do something.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'opportunus' (opportune, favorable), from 'ob-' (toward) + 'portus' (harbor).

💡 Mnemonic

OPPORtunity knocks at the PORT. Imagine a favorable wind (opportunity) blowing a ship safely into PORT.

📖 Example

Joining this program is a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet people from all over the world. 🔊 Participating in this initiative presents an excellent favorable chance to acquire new abilities and connect with international peers.

🔗 Collocations

golden opportunity – an exceptionally good chance that is not likely to be repeated

seize an opportunity – to quickly and decisively take advantage of a chance

miss an opportunity – to fail to take advantage of a chance

🔄 Synonyms

chance (n.) – A possibility of something happening, often implying luck or probability.

occasion (n.) – A particular time or instance of an event, sometimes suitable for a specific action.

opening (n.) – An available position or an initial period allowing access or a start.

🚫 Antonyms

misfortune (n.) – Bad luck or an unfortunate condition or event.

setback (n.) – A problem that makes progress more difficult or slows success.

🌱 Derivatives

opportunistic (adj.) – Exploiting immediate opportunities, especially with little regard for principles or consequences.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from the Latin phrase 'ob portum veniens' (coming toward a harbor), referring to a favorable wind for sailors heading to port. This evolved to signify a favorable moment for any undertaking.