felicitous

USAGE SUMMARY

"felicitous" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is pleasing, appropriate, or satisfactory, often in a literary or poetic context. For example, you might say, "The couple's wedding was a felicitous occasion, full of joy and celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But although its felicitous title is shaded with irony, it conveys an essentially comforting endorsement of the mother country and its warm-hearted family values.

The Guardian

And Mr Bernstein is simply wrong about being the first journalist in Kashgar for years.To make up for that, Mr Bernstein writes in a felicitous style, enlivened at times with a telling metaphor or a sharpish insight.

The Economist

Perhaps not the most felicitous of expressions, but no doubt well intentioned.

The Economist

Thankfully, Messrs Grossman and Rossi-Hansberg have a more felicitous phrase: "trade in tasks".As globalisation has advanced, it has become easier to move some of these tasks offshore.

The Economist

Drawing on literature, film and art as well as on scholarly texts, the two books work well as companion volumes: together they tell the story of the face you are born with and the one you may create.Mr McNeill, an ex-lawyer, is a felicitous writer, and his delight and absorption in his subject is apparent in almost every sentence he writes.

The Economist

Some of his followers have supported him with such felicitous slogans as "burn the bitch".

The Economist

IFIL has said that it found the solution implemented on September 20th only after August 25th.This explanation means the existence of the swap was a felicitous coincidence; so too its mechanics, which left Merrill indifferent to switching from cash settlement to physical delivery.

The Economist

Great painters, whose existence in Reformation Holland must be one of the most felicitous accidents in art history, were there to oblige.

The Economist

But that is more than can be said for its floating habitat, a rare composite of silt and vegetation flushed into the lake through a dozen feeder streams.Ordinarily, this mass, known as phumdi, is held together by a felicitous effect of the water level's seasonal rise and fall.

The Economist

Another explanation is given credence in Katmandu: King Gyanendra, a pious Hindu known to believe in astrology, has a particularly felicitous horoscope at the moment.

The Economist

It was a strange way to announce the rise of Latin America.Gilbert Benoît OttawaLost in translationSIR – Foreign banks best succeed with a felicitous, rather than an accurate, transliteration of their foreign name ("Scrambled in Africa", September 18th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a tone that is both refined and precise, "felicitous" is a strong choice. It suggests a happy combination of elements or circumstances.

Common error

While "felicitous" is a perfectly valid word, avoid using it in very informal or casual settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious if the context doesn't warrant it. Opt for simpler alternatives like "appropriate" or "fitting" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "felicitous" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that it is well-chosen, appropriate, or particularly suitable for a given context. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "felicitous" modifies nouns like 'title', 'style', and 'combination'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "felicitous" is a versatile adjective used to describe something as particularly well-chosen, appropriate, or fitting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its primary function is to convey approval, emphasizing a pleasing and effective combination of elements. While "felicitous" can enhance sophistication in writing, remember to reserve its use for contexts where its formality aligns with the overall tone. Considering alternative like "apt", "appropriate", or "fortunate", can further refine your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apt

Focuses on the suitability and relevance of something.

fitting

Highlights the suitability and harmony with the context.

appropriate

Emphasizes the fitting or correct nature of something in a given situation.

effective

Highlights the capacity to produce a desired result.

well-suited

Emphasizes the compatibility and fitness for a particular purpose.

opportune

Highlights the timing and favorable circumstances surrounding something.

advantageous

Focuses on the benefits and positive outcomes.

fortunate

Stresses the element of luck or good fortune.

successful

Emphasizes the achievement of a desired outcome.

happy

Implies a pleasant or agreeable nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "felicitous" in a sentence?

Use "felicitous" to describe something remarkably suitable or well-chosen for the occasion. For example, "The speaker's "felicitous remark" eased the tension in the room" or "The timing of the agreement was "felicitous timing", allowing for immediate implementation".

What are some synonyms for "felicitous" that I can use?

Alternatives to "felicitous" include "apt", "appropriate", "opportune", "fortunate", and "happy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the word "felicitous"?

"Felicitous" is most appropriate in formal writing and speech where you want to emphasize the aptness or suitability of something. It is especially effective when describing a combination of factors that lead to a positive outcome or a pleasing result.

Is "felicitous" interchangeable with "fortunate"?

While both "felicitous" and "fortunate" imply a positive outcome, "felicitous" emphasizes the appropriateness or well-suited nature of something, whereas "fortunate" emphasizes luck or chance. Therefore, they are not always interchangeable.