inopportun

Inopportun is a French adjective meaning ill-timed or untimely. It describes events, actions, or remarks that occur at a moment deemed inconvenient or inappropriate. The term is commonly found in formal writing, journalism, and literary prose, where it conveys a sense of poor timing without judging motive.

Etymology and forms: Inopportun derives from the prefix in- meaning not, attached to opportun (from Latin opportunus, meaning favorable or convenient). In French, the masculine singular form is inopportun, while the feminine singular form is inopportune. Plural forms are inopportuns (masc) and inopportunes (fem). The English cognate is inopportune, used in a similar sense.

Usage and nuance: The word is typically used to characterize moments, comments, or actions that clash with the surrounding circumstances. It often implies inconvenience or lack of tact. For example, "C'était un moment inopportun pour poser cette question" or "Cette remarque était inopportune." While common in everyday speech, inopportun is especially prevalent in more formal diction, where precise judgment about timing is important.

See also: Related terms in French include malvenu, peu opportun, and malavisé, which describe things that are ill-suited or ill-timed, though with slight nuance differences. The corresponding English term is inopportune.