B2 adjective Neutral 2 Min. Lesezeit

opportuno

/opporˈtuno/

Overview

The Italian adjective 'opportuno' is a versatile and nuanced term that translates to 'opportune,' 'appropriate,' 'suitable,' or 'well-chosen' in English. Its core meaning revolves around the concept of timeliness and suitability within a specific context. It doesn't merely imply correctness, but rather a positive alignment of circumstances, actions, or words that makes something particularly effective or advantageous.

Historically, 'opportuno' derives from the Latin 'opportunus,' which literally meant 'tending towards the harbor.' This nautical origin elegantly captures the essence of the word: just as a ship needs favorable winds and a calm sea to safely reach port, an 'opportuno' moment or action is one that presents ideal conditions for a desired outcome. It suggests a confluence of factors that make something particularly fitting or beneficial.

In everyday Italian, 'opportuno' is frequently used to describe:

  1. 1Timing: When something happens at the right moment. For example, 'È il momento opportuno per iniziare' (It's the opportune moment to start) or 'Un intervento opportuno può risolvere la situazione' (An opportune intervention can resolve the situation).
  1. 1Actions or Decisions: When a choice or an act is well-judged and appropriate for the circumstances. 'Ha preso una decisione opportuna' (He made an opportune decision) or 'Sarebbe opportuno informare tutti' (It would be appropriate to inform everyone).
  1. 1Comments or Advice: When what is said is fitting and relevant to the conversation. 'Ha fatto un commento molto opportuno' (He made a very appropriate comment).
  1. 1Places or Conditions: When a location or a set of conditions is suitable. 'Questo non è il luogo opportuno per discutere' (This is not the opportune place to discuss).

While 'opportuno' shares semantic territory with words like 'adeguato' (adequate), 'appropriato' (appropriate), and 'conveniente' (convenient/suitable), it often carries a stronger sense of being 'just right' or 'perfectly timed' for maximum benefit or impact. 'Adeguato' might just mean 'sufficient,' while 'opportuno' implies 'ideally suited.'

It's a valuable word for expressing a precise evaluation of fittingness, suggesting not just compliance with rules or expectations, but a strategic and effective alignment with the situation at hand. The feminine form is 'opportuna,' and the plurals are 'opportuni' (masculine) and 'opportune' (feminine), following standard Italian adjective agreement.

Beispiele

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Häufige Kollokationen

momento opportuno
scelta opportuna
decisione opportuna
ritenere opportuno

Wird oft verwechselt mit

opportuno vs. w
80+ WORDS

Grammatikmuster

p1 p2 p3

So verwendest du es

Nutzungshinweise

The word 'opportuno' is frequently used to describe a moment, an action, a decision, or a comment that is fitting, suitable, or well-timed within a given context. It carries a positive connotation, suggesting that something is not just correct but also advantageous or beneficial due to its timing or nature. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal when compared to simpler synonyms like 'giusto' (right) or 'buono' (good). When used with 'essere' (to be), it often conveys that something 'is appropriate' or 'is timely'. For instance, 'È opportuno agire adesso' means 'It is appropriate to act now.' The feminine and plural forms follow standard Italian adjective agreement rules.


Häufige Fehler

Ensure correct conjugation and agreement with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un momento opportuno' (a suitable moment) vs. 'una decisione opportuna' (a suitable decision). Also, avoid confusing it with 'opportunista' (opportunistic, which can have a negative connotation).

Tipps

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Usage Tip

The adjective 'opportuno' is often used to describe something that is timely, suitable, or convenient in a given situation. It implies a sense of appropriateness and good judgment.
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Common Mistake

Do not confuse 'opportuno' with 'opportunistico'. While 'opportuno' implies something being appropriate or convenient, 'opportunistico' (opportunistic) carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is taking advantage of situations for personal gain without regard for principles.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms include 'adatto' (suitable), 'conveniente' (convenient/appropriate), 'appropriato' (appropriate). Antonyms include 'inopportuno' (inopportune/unsuitable) and 'sconveniente' (inconvenient/unsuitable).

Wortherkunft

From Latin 'opportunus', meaning 'convenient, suitable', from 'ob' (towards) + 'portus' (harbor). Literally, 'tending towards the harbor', implying favorable conditions for sailing or an arrival at a good moment.

Kultureller Kontext

The Italian word 'opportuno' carries a nuanced meaning that extends beyond a simple translation of 'appropriate' or 'suitable.' It often implies a sense of timeliness, good judgment, and alignment with prevailing social norms or expectations. In Italian culture, where etiquette and social harmony are highly valued, something described as 'opportuno' suggests that it is not just correct, but also tactful, discreet, and considerate of others. For instance, offering condolences at a funeral would be 'opportuno,' whereas discussing a sensitive political topic at a family dinner might be considered 'inopportuno' (inopportune or inappropriate). The concept is deeply embedded in everyday interactions, from formal business settings to casual conversations among friends, influencing how Italians perceive and evaluate actions and statements.

Merkhilfe

Think of 'opportunity.' An 'opportuno' moment is a well-chosen opportunity.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

4 Fragen
'Opportuno' is an Italian adjective that translates to 'opportune', 'appropriate', 'suitable', or 'well-chosen' in English. It describes something that is timely, fitting, or advisable in a particular situation, often implying a sense of discretion or good judgment in its application. It can refer to an action, a moment, or a piece of advice.
Certainly! An example sentence using 'opportuno' would be: 'È opportuno agire con cautela in questa situazione.' This translates to: 'It is opportune (or appropriate) to act with caution in this situation.' This highlights the idea of something being the right or fitting thing to do at a specific time.
Yes, there are several synonyms for 'opportuno' in Italian that convey similar meanings. Some common ones include 'adeguato' (adequate/suitable), 'conveniente' (convenient/appropriate), 'appropriato' (appropriate), 'adatto' (suitable/fit), and 'pertinente' (pertinent/relevant). The specific nuance might vary slightly between them, but they all generally suggest something that is fitting or well-timed.
In a formal context, 'opportuno' is often used to suggest that a certain action or decision is advisable or necessary for a positive outcome. For instance, in a business or legal setting, one might hear 'Si ritiene opportuno procedere con le indagini,' meaning 'It is deemed opportune (or appropriate/advisable) to proceed with the investigations.' It lends a sense of considered judgment and propriety to the statement.

Teste dich selbst

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Il momento era davvero _____ per presentare la proposta.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
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Ha scelto le parole più _____ per esprimere il suo cordoglio.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
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Credo sia _____ agire subito per risolvere il problema.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Ergebnis: /3

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