it was propitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was propitious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that was favorable or advantageous. Example: "The weather was perfect for the outdoor wedding; it was propitious for the couple's special day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the week that British troops were deployed at Bagram Airport and politicians deliberate over dispatching thousands more to Afghanistan, it was propitious to meet Burridge and tour the Joint Services and Command Staff College at Shrivenham, in Wiltshire, where he is the commandant.

The Guardian

It was propitious timing.

Forbes

It was propitious to protect some key proteins from losing their conserved and vital functions.

DNA Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some of it is propitious scheduling — the more fallow time of April has meant "Furious" can mow over less stalwart competition like "The Longest Ride".

Los Angeles Times

The timing was propitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

His timing was propitious.

The New York Times - Books

"Eden" 's timing was propitious.

The New Yorker

But for Ms. Pelosi, the timing was propitious.

The New York Times

The timing of the Reissfelder case was propitious for Kerry.

The New Yorker

The timing for that remarkable policy change was propitious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The timing was propitious for Branson's stock club.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was propitious" to denote not just good timing, but a confluence of factors leading to a particularly advantageous outcome. Ensure the context reflects more than simple luck.

Common error

Avoid using "it was propitious" when a simpler term like "lucky" or "fortunate" suffices. The phrase implies a deeper sense of opportune conditions, not mere chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was propitious" functions as an evaluative statement, often serving as a comment on the confluence of events. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to describe favorable timing or conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was propitious" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe particularly favorable or advantageous circumstances. As shown by Ludwig, it is typically used in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it conveys a sense of more than mere luck, implying a confluence of positive conditions. Avoid using it when simple luck is the sole factor; reserve it for situations where timing and circumstances align advantageously. Remember to use it accurately to describe situations and to have higher impact and to sound professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the timing was opportune

Replaces "propitious" with "opportune", emphasizing the timeliness of the event.

the moment was favorable

Substitutes "propitious" with "favorable", highlighting the advantageous nature of the situation.

the circumstances were auspicious

Uses "auspicious" instead of "propitious", conveying a sense of good fortune and potential success.

the situation was advantageous

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct statement about the situation's benefits.

it was a stroke of luck

Indicates that the favorable outcome was due to chance or good fortune.

things aligned perfectly

Emphasizes the harmonious combination of factors that led to a positive result.

it played out well

Focuses on the positive unfolding of events, implying a successful outcome.

the stars were aligned

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest that everything was in perfect order for success.

it was a golden opportunity

Highlights the potential for great success and benefit presented by the situation.

events conspired favorably

Suggests that multiple events, working together, led to a beneficial outcome.

FAQs

What does "it was propitious" mean?

The phrase "it was propitious" means that something was particularly favorable or advantageous, often due to a combination of good timing and circumstances. It suggests more than just luck; it implies a set of conditions that made success likely or easier.

How can I use "it was propitious" in a sentence?

You can use "it was propitious" to describe a time or event that was particularly well-suited for a specific outcome. For example, "The timing of the investment was propitious, as the market was about to experience a significant upswing."

What are some alternatives to "it was propitious"?

Some alternatives to "it was propitious" include phrases like "the timing was opportune", "the moment was favorable", or "the circumstances were auspicious". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while offering different nuances.

Is "it was propitious" formal or informal?

"It was propitious" is considered a relatively formal phrase. Simpler and more informal alternatives might be more appropriate for casual conversation, while this phrase is well-suited for business, academic, or news contexts.