Reading Theme:
Opportunity Definition, Usage & Key Examples
Meaning 1:favorable chance (opportunity)
opportunity
/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/
n.
A time when something good can happen or you can do something you want.
favorable chance
➕
/ˈfeɪvərəbl tʃæns/
n.
A specific time or set of circumstances that makes it favorable or especially suitable to do something.
📘 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
🚫 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.
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