opportuna

Opportuna is the feminine singular form of the Italian adjective opportuno. It denotes something timely, advantageous, or appropriate to a given situation. The word is used to describe decisions, actions, or conditions that are well suited to the circumstances and can be beneficial, prudent, or convenient.

Etymology and forms: opportuna derives from Latin opportunus, meaning favorable or suitable. In Italian the adjective agrees in gender and number with the noun: opportuno (masc. sing.), opportuna (fem. sing.), opportuni (masc. plur.), opportune (fem. plur.). The related noun opportunità means “opportunity” and shares the same semantic field.

Usage and nuance: opportuna is common in formal or written Italian when stressing suitability or timeliness. Examples include una decisione opportuna (a timely/appropriate decision), una scelta opportuna (an appropriate choice), and una soluzione opportuna (a suitable solution) or una situazione opportuna (a favorable situation). For masculine references to time, the standard form is un momento opportuno. The adverb opportunamente means “opportunely” or “in an appropriate manner.”

Synonyms and contrasts: synonyms include conveniente, adeguato, appropriato, idoneo. The opposite is inopportuno. While opportuno focuses on suitability and timeliness, the broader sense of opportunity is carried by the noun opportunità, which is related but not interchangeable with the adjective.