propitious

adjective

pro·​pi·​tious prə-ˈpi-shəs 

1

: favorably disposed : benevolent

2

: being a good omen : auspicious

propitious sign

3

: tending to favor : advantageous

propitiously adverb

propitiousness noun

Did you know?

Propitious, which comes to us through Middle English from the Latin word propitius, is a synonym of favorable and auspicious. All three essentially mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," with some differences of emphasis. Favorable implies that someone or something involved in a situation is approving or helpful ("a favorable recommendation"), or that circumstances are advantageous ("favorable weather conditions"). Auspicious usually applies to a sign or omen that promises success before or at the start of an event ("an auspicious beginning"). Propitious may also apply to beginnings, but it often suggests a continuing promising condition ("propitious conditions for an alliance").

Synonyms

• auspicious
• bright
• encouraging
• fair
• golden
• heartening
• hopeful
• likely
• optimistic
• promising
• rose-colored
• roseate
• rosy
• upbeat

Choose the Right Synonym for propitious

favorable, auspicious, propitious mean pointing toward a happy outcome.

favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Examples of propitious in a Sentence

Now is a propitious time to start a business.

the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start for the summer season of blockbusters

Recent Examples on the Web

Once again, these were two propitious investments ahead of a massive surge in shale oil and gas production across the U.S. that made the U.S. self-sufficient in oil and gas in 2020, the first time since 1947. —Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The essence of modern economic development is the continuing augmentation of human potential and a propitious business climate, framed by policies and institutions that help unlock the value in human beings. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

The best Spurs coverage in Alamo City, delivered to your inbox The player who had posted such a propitious rookie season by simply playing on instinct looked lost. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024

The timing couldn’t have been more propitious with the trade deadline pending. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English propycyous, from Anglo-French propicius, from Latin propitius, probably from pro- for + petere to seek — more at pro-, feather

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

propitious

adjective

pro·​pi·​tious prə-ˈpish-əs 

1

: giving favorable signs of the success of something to come : promising

a propitious first interview

2

: likely to produce good results

a propitious undertaking