English vocabulary · C1
Propitious
/prəˈpɪʃ.əs/ · adj.
It means a situation looks good and likely to succeed. The time or conditions feel just right.
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Example sentences
- The clear sky was propitious for the launch.
- She chose a propitious moment to make her request.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pro — forward (from Latin)
- pitius — favor (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FAVORABLE (conditions support a good outcome)
- AUSPICIOUS (signs predict future success)
- PROMISING (early signs suggest things will go well)
Words with the same root
pitius — favor
- propitiate — to appease or win favor
Lesson notes
Propitious. It means a situation looks good and likely to succeed. The time or conditions feel just right.
Similar words are favorable, auspicious, and promising. Use propitious when the signs point to a good result.
The clear sky was propitious for the launch. She chose a propitious moment to make her request.
From Latin. Pro means forward. Pitius means favor. Moving forward with favor — that is propitious.