auspicious number

USAGE SUMMARY

'auspicious number' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a number that is seen as being particularly lucky or favorable. For example, "The number 8 is an auspicious number in Chinese culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Nine was considered an auspicious number, symbolizing virility and power.

The New York Times - Arts

(Even numbers are bad, ascending numbers are good, and nine is great, the most auspicious number of all).

The New York Times - Arts

Most of its 999 buildings with their 9,999 rooms (an auspicious number in China) are still off limits.

The New York Times - Arts

Sure, Ms. Wendell can wax mystical about "the bagua" and the number 9 — "the auspicious number of completion".

The New York Times

That may be another reason why Chinese interest rates are divisible by nine: it is seen as an auspicious number.

The Economist

The Beijing Olympics started at 8 08 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2008, a time and date chosen for the many eights, considered an auspicious number.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

More auspicious numbers are expected on Friday, when personal spending and consumption data is released for November.

The New York Times

Changing names or ordering license plates with certain auspicious numbers has become accepted practices in recent years.

The New York Times

Babies born on the 28th day of a month, for example, are said to have a good life ahead of them because 2 and 8 add up to 10, and 1 plus 0 equals 1. One, three, five and six are considered auspicious numbers: Mr. Jumaani points out that Bill Gates was born on Oct. 28, 1955.

The New York Times

The auspicious numbers 688 might possibly relate to the illogical belief that her terminal stage of cancer could be cured by giving away part of her fortune, or tied to a feng shui ritual designed to find her missing husband.

Forbes

The engaged couple was given a photo frame shaped like Ronald McDonald, marked with the "limited edition number" 138, an auspicious figure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural beliefs, clearly state the culture in which the number is considered an "auspicious number". For example, "In Chinese culture, 8 is an auspicious number because its pronunciation sounds similar to 'wealth'."

Common error

Avoid assuming a number is universally considered "auspicious". The auspiciousness of a number is often culturally specific; what is lucky in one culture may be neutral or even unlucky in another. Provide context to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "auspicious number" functions as a noun phrase, where "auspicious" modifies "number". It identifies a specific type of number believed to bring good fortune or luck in various cultural contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "auspicious number" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a number believed to bring good luck or fortune. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used and understood. Its usage is particularly prevalent in discussions of cultural traditions and beliefs, especially in News & Media. While the concept is rooted in superstition, the phrase itself maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various contexts. When using "auspicious number", it's crucial to provide cultural context to avoid misunderstandings, as what's considered lucky can vary significantly across different cultures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lucky number

Replaces "auspicious" with a more common synonym indicating good fortune.

favorable number

Substitutes "auspicious" with a word that emphasizes a positive or advantageous outcome.

propitious number

Offers a more formal synonym for "auspicious", suggesting a favorable condition or sign.

significant number

Shifts the focus to the importance or meaning attached to the number, rather than its luckiness.

number of good omen

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the idea of a number associated with positive predictions.

divinely favored number

Implies that the number is blessed or favored by a higher power.

benign number

Emphasizes the number's gentle and positive influence.

promising number

Suggests the number indicates a positive future or outcome.

number associated with good fortune

Rephrases the concept to highlight the connection to good luck.

number believed to bring good luck

Expresses the idea as a belief or superstition associated with the number.

FAQs

How to use "auspicious number" in a sentence?

You can use "auspicious number" to describe a number believed to bring good luck or fortune. For example, "The date was chosen because it contained several eights, considered an "auspicious number" in Chinese culture."

What numbers are commonly considered "auspicious numbers" in different cultures?

The numbers 7, 8, 9, and 13 are often cited as "auspicious numbers" in various cultures. For example, 7 is lucky in Western cultures, 8 in Chinese culture, and 9 in Bhutanese culture. Be sure to specify which culture when mentioning a specific auspicious number.

Which is correct, "auspicious number" or "auspicious numeral"?

"Auspicious number" is the more common and natural phrasing. While "numeral" refers to the symbol representing the number, "number" refers to the quantity itself, which is usually what is meant when discussing auspiciousness. Therefore, "auspicious number" is preferred.

What can I say instead of "auspicious number"?

You can use alternatives like "lucky number", "favorable number", or "propitious number" depending on the context.