Opportunism
(Op`por*tun"ism) n. [Cf. F. opportunisme.] The art or practice of taking advantage of
opportunities or circumstances, or of seeking immediate advantage with little regard for ultimate consequences.
[Recent]
Opportunist
(Op`por*tun"ist), n. [Cf. F. opportuniste.] One who advocates or practices opportunism.
[Recent]
Opportunity
(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. [Obs.]
Hull, a town of great strength and opportunity, both to sea and land affairs.
Milton. 3. Importunity; earnestness. [Obs.] 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.
Opposability
(Op*pos`a*bil"i*ty) n. The condition or quality of being opposable.
In no savage have I ever seen the slightest approach to opposability of the great toe, which is the essential
distinguishing feature of apes.
A. R. Wallace. Opposable
(Op*pos"a*ble) a.
1. Capable of being opposed or resisted.
2. Capable of being placed opposite something else; as, the thumb is opposable to the forefinger.
Opposal
(Op*pos"al) n. Opposition. [R.] Sir T. Herbert.
Oppose
(Op*pose") v. t. [imp. & p. p. Opposed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Opposing.] [F. opposer. See Ob-
, Pose, and cf.2d Appose, Puzzle, n. Cf.L. opponere, oppositum.]
1. To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit.
Her grace sat down . . .
In a rich chair of state; opposing freely
The beauty of her person to the people.
Shak. 2. To put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail; to set against; to offer antagonistically.
I may . . . oppose my single opinion to his.
Locke. 3. To resist or antagonize by physical means, or by arguments, etc.; to contend against; to confront; to
resist; to withstand; as, to oppose the king in battle; to oppose a bill in Congress.
4. To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize.
I am . . . too weak
To oppose your cunning.
Shak.
