The spelling of "little opportunity" follows the standard English pronunciation rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word 'little' is spelled as /ˈlɪtəl/. 'Opportunity' is spelled as /ˌɒpərˈtjuːnɪti/. The stress is on the second syllable in 'opportunity'. The letter 'u' in 'opportunity' is pronounced as /juː/. The word 'little' has a short 'i' sound followed by a neutral or schwa sound in the second syllable. In English, the spelling of words is based on their pronunciation rather than their etymology.
Little opportunity refers to situations or circumstances where there is a scarcity or lack of chances or possibilities for something to occur. It is a term used to describe the limited or restricted scope available to pursue a particular goal, aim, or endeavor. The phrase implies that the chances or prospects for success or advancement are minimal or diminished.
When there is little opportunity present, it suggests that the environment or conditions surrounding a particular situation are not conducive to progress or achievement. It implies that there are few openings or avenues available to explore and accomplish something. This lack of opportunity can be attributed to various factors such as limited resources, restricted access, lack of support or infrastructure, or prevailing circumstances that impede individual or collective growth.
Little opportunity can apply to a wide range of contexts, including education, employment, social mobility, personal growth, and professional development. It indicates a state where individuals or groups face barriers or challenges that hinder their ability to make progress, achieve success, or reach their full potential. However, it should be noted that little opportunity does not imply an impossibility of achievement but rather a condition where the path to success may be more challenging or restricted compared to situations with ample opportunities.
The etymology of the word "little" can be traced back to the Old English word "lytel", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic root "*luttilaz". This root is also related to other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "litill" and Gothic "leitils".
The word "opportunity" comes from the Latin "opportunitas", which itself is derived from the combination of "ob" (meaning "toward" or "against") and "portus" (meaning "port" or "harbor"), with the suffix "-itas" indicating a state or condition. In essence, "opportunity" originally referred to a favorable wind or sea conditions that would be advantageous for ships trying to enter a harbor.
As for the combination "little opportunity", it is a phrase that applies a qualifier (little) to the noun (opportunity).