Word: felicitous (adjective)

Associations

"Felicitous" means something very well chosen or suitable for the situation, often bringing happiness or good feelings.

• A felicitous remark. This means a comment that fits perfectly and makes the conversation better.
• A felicitous choice of words. This means the words used are exactly right and clear.
• A felicitous moment. This means a moment that is lucky or very good for something to happen. Synonym: "appropriate" — but "felicitous" often has a positive, happy feeling, while "appropriate" is more neutral.

Substitution

You can use words like:

• suitable (fits well but less emotional)
• apt (good fit, often for ideas)
• appropriate (correct for the situation)
• well-chosen (carefully picked) If you want to emphasize happiness or luck, "felicitous" is better than just "appropriate."

Deconstruction

"Felicitous" comes from Latin "felicitas," meaning happiness or good fortune.

• Root: "felic-" means happy or lucky.
• Suffix: "-ous" means full of or having the quality of. So, "felicitous" literally means full of happiness or good quality.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you said something at the perfect moment? Was it felicitous?
• How would you describe a felicitous decision in your life?
• Can you find a felicitous phrase to use in a letter or speech? Why would it be good there?