How to pronounce opportunist
Say it like op-er-TOO-nist. Opportunist has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce opportunist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- op
- er
- TOO
- nist
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Opportunist pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- opGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- nistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of opportunist
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: op-uh-TYOO-nist.
What does opportunist mean?
- Someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance their own situation, placing expediency above principle.
Where does opportunist come from?
From French opportuniste, equivalent to opportune + -ist.
Questions about saying opportunist
How do you pronounce opportunist?
Say op-er-TOO-nist. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑpɚˈtunɪst/. In British English it is /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in opportunist?
Opportunist has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: op · er · TOO · nist.
Is opportunist pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst/ (op-uh-TYOO-nist).