Pronunciation: [ɒpətjˈuːnɪsts] (IPA) 
The word "opportunists" is spelled with a double "p" and "t" after the "o." This is because the "p" and "t" are part of the suffix "-ist," which means "person who believes in or advocates for a particular thing." The first "t" represents the "t" sound, while the second "t" is silent. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is transcribed as /ˌɑpərˈtu.nɪsts/, with stresses on the second syllable and the fourth syllable.
Opportunists are individuals who take advantage of favorable circumstances or situations for their own benefit, often without regard for moral or ethical considerations. They are known for being shrewd and constantly seeking opportunities that can further their personal interests, regardless of the consequences or impact on others.
These individuals exhibit a keen eye for identifying advantageous situations, and are quick to act upon them, even if it means exploiting others or compromising their own principles. This trait of opportunism can manifest in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional endeavors, or even political pursuits.
Opportunists are skilled at adapting themselves to suit the needs of the moment, often aligning their actions and beliefs to whichever option provides the most benefit. They are not driven by a consistent set of values or strong principles, but rather by their desire for personal gain. This can lead to a lack of trust or reliability in their interactions, as their actions are perceived to be motivated primarily by their own self-interest.
Furthermore, opportunists often exhibit a disregard for long-term consequences or the greater good. Their immediate personal gain takes precedence over the potential harm caused to others or the overall ethical implications of their actions. The opportunistic approach is therefore viewed as morally bankrupt and manipulative by many, as it often involves exploiting vulnerabilities or weaknesses in others for personal gain.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "opportunist" has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word "opportunus", which means "favorable". The word "opportunus" is formed from the combination of "ob-" meaning "towards" and "portus" meaning "port" or "harbor".
In ancient times, the word "opportunus" referred to something that was situated favorably or conveniently towards a port, implying a favorable wind that allowed ships to sail smoothly into a harbor. Over time, the term "opportunus" acquired a broader meaning of something that is advantageous or well-suited to a particular situation.
The word entered the English language in the late 19th century, and its meaning evolved to describe people who take advantage of favorable circumstances or situations for personal gain or benefit, often without considering ethical principles.
