Where does “opportunism” come from?
Opportunism is an English word derived from French opportunisme, which comes from Latin opportunus meaning "suitable" or "favorable," ultimately from ob- "toward" and portus "harbor" or "port."
opportunism (English): The practice of taking advantage of any...
Definitions
- The practice of taking advantage of any...
Ancestry of “opportunism”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French | opportunisme | opportunism |
| 2 | French | opportun | opportune, timely; expedient; suitable |
| 3 | Latin | opportūnus | suitable |
| 4 | Latin | Portus | ” or, later, “Portus Rōmae”}} Portus large artificial harbour of Ancient Rome |
| 5 | Proto-Italic | portus | harbour |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | pértus | crossing |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | per- | before, in front; first; to go through |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | pr̥tós | passed , crossed |