Propitious
/prəˈpɪʃəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Propitious describes a situation, time, or condition that is favorable or good for doing something. It means things are likely to go well or be successful if you act then. It often talks about moments or signs that suggest good luck or success is near.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Favorable or good for success
- •The weather was propitious for the outdoor wedding.
- •The timing was propitious, so the business grew quickly.
- •Investors saw propitious signs in the market before buying shares.
Indicating good luck or a positive future
- •The clear sky was a propitious sign for the travelers.
- •Finding the lost key was propitious for starting the project on time.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "propitious" like "good" or "lucky," but more formal and about chances or moments that help success happen.
- ✓Picture a bright sunny morning before an important event, when everything feels right and hopeful.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a clear path ahead, and you believe things will work out well.
- ✓Sounds like "pro-PISH-us" → imagine a friendly fish (PISH) swimming smoothly in calm waters, meaning things are going well.
- ✓Think of a story where the hero finds a sign or a lucky moment that tells them now is the best time to act.
- ✓NOT like "random" or "bad" moments—propitious moments are special and helpful.
- ✓NOT like "certain" or "guaranteed" success—just a good chance or sign that success may come.
- ✓NOT like "easy"—it means conditions are good, but you still need effort to succeed.
Try Other Words
- •Favorable: good or helpful conditions (Use when you want to say conditions help success but in a more common way)
- •Auspicious: showing signs of future success or good luck (Use when you want a formal word similar to propitious)
- •Advantageous: giving an advantage or benefit (Use when focusing on benefits or helpful factors)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pro-" (forward, in favor of) + "pitious" (from Latin root related to "pious" or favorable)
- •Etymology: From Latin "propitius," meaning favorable or gracious
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s in English to describe favorable signs or conditions
- •Modern usage: Often used in formal writing or speech to describe good timing or conditions that help success
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when conditions were propitious for you to try something new? What made it feel that way?
•How do people decide if a moment is propitious or not? Can this feeling be different for different people?
Fill in the blanks
1.The clear sky and calm wind made the morning ___ for sailing the boat.
2.Investors waited for a ___ moment before buying stocks to increase their chances of profit.
3.Even though the conditions were ___, the team still needed to work hard to win the game.
4.The ancient villagers believed that a full moon was a ___ sign for planting crops.
5.She felt the timing was ___, so she decided to ask for a promotion at work.
6.Unlike a random day, a ___ day gives you a better chance to start new projects successfully.
7.The weather was not ___, so the outdoor event was postponed until next week.