opportune
UK[ˌɒp.əˈtʃuːn]US[ˌɑː.pɚˈtuːn]
adj
(of a time) especially convenient or appropriate for a particular action or event.
adj
(of an action or event) done or occurring at a particularly favorable time.
Etymology
the word 'opportune' entered english in the late middle english period from the old french 'opportun', which itself derived from the latin 'opportunus'. the latin term is a compound, formed from 'ob-' (meaning 'towards') and 'portus' (meaning 'harbor'). its original, literal sense described a wind blowing towards a harbor, thus being favorable for sailing. this concrete nautical meaning evolved metaphorically in latin to signify any favorable or suitable condition. the semantic journey from a wind aiding entry into a safe harbor to describing a well-timed or advantageous circumstance illustrates a classic path of abstraction, where a specific physical convenience transforms into a general concept of suitability and timeliness.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from french, which borrowed it from latin. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes and is therefore treated as a simplex unit.
Examples
the rain stopped at an opportune moment, just as the outdoor ceremony was about to begin.
his arrival was opportune, as we desperately needed his expertise to solve the crisis.
she waited for an opportune time to bring up the sensitive topic with her manager.