propitious

USAGE SUMMARY

'propitious' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means 'favourable,' so you can use it when referring to something that is likely to bring success or good luck. Example sentence: The day brought many propitious omens for the forthcoming events.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, it's more competitive, but I'm taking over the party at a much more propitious time than John [Hume] did in 1979, when the security agenda dominated and the British government would not have risked any initiatives".

The Guardian

Anything with "108" in it was deemed to be very propitious in India and the east, and so it was a favourite unit in which to design a citadel or a wall.

The Guardian - Books

But now, in the most propitious of circumstances, they were unable to go one better and claim the parliamentary seat which still eludes them.

The Guardian - Opinion

It didn't in more propitious times.

The Guardian

Besides drying it (which can be done in a kiln, by those in a hurry), exposure to the elements makes the wood's chemistry even more propitious by reducing the levels of chemicals such as tannins, whose astringency can be detrimental to the spirit's flavour.

The Economist

Especially at the beginning, when circumstances were propitious, Mr Yushchenko should have been tougher.Instead, his presidency was crippled by his revolutionary debts.

The Economist

It will be the two leaders' first encounter for a year and the timing is not propitious.

The Economist

"But they are fewer the farther down you go .The Lib Dems are also unlikely to enjoy again as propitious a set of circumstances as those surrounding the last election.

The Economist

Mr Mikoyan, who on Thursday was on his way to Cuba, may be able to persuade Dr Castro that the time, and mood, are not propitious for bargaining hard with the United Nations as well as defying the United States.The desire to raise his own voice above the din encouraged Dr Castro to make his unseasonable demands.

The Economist

Rather than declaring another one, says Dmitri Trenin of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, Mr Putin was staking a claim to be the leader of the global opposition calculating that Iraq made this a propitious time to announce Russia's candidacy.For the Americans, all that is troubling, but less than catastrophic.

The Economist

Here are three reasons why such complacency is dangerous and wrong.First, the propitious circumstances in Brussels, which also include Germany's resolve to keep Britain in and widening discontent with the EU migration that fuels British Euroscepticism, do not resolve the central flaw in the prime minister's gambit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propitious" when you want to convey that circumstances are particularly favorable or indicative of a positive outcome. It adds a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "propitious" in very casual or informal contexts. Its formal tone might seem out of place in relaxed conversations or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "propitious" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that the circumstances surrounding it are favorable, advantageous, or auspicious. As noted by Ludwig AI, the term is usable in written English and implies a likelihood of success or good fortune.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "propitious" signifies favorable circumstances or a promising outlook, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Commonly used in news and formal writing, "propitious" adds a layer of sophistication to descriptions of events or situations likely to yield positive results. Alternatives like "favorable", "auspicious", and "opportune" can be used to add nuance. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, "propitious" should be used judiciously, avoiding overly casual contexts to maintain its intended impact. The word's frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian underscores its relevance in formal English discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorable

Direct synonym, emphasizing conduciveness to success.

auspicious

Highlights the promising nature of the circumstances.

opportune

Focuses on the timing being particularly advantageous.

advantageous

Stresses the benefits and positive aspects.

fortunate

Emphasizes the role of luck in the positive outcome.

promising

Indicates potential for future success.

benign

Suggests a kind and gentle influence.

lucky

Simple term emphasizing good fortune.

well-timed

Focuses specifically on the timing being ideal.

expedient

Implies usefulness and suitability for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "propitious" in a sentence?

You can use "propitious" to describe a time, situation, or event that seems likely to lead to success. For example, "The timing was "propitious" for launching the new product".

What are some alternatives to "propitious"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "favorable", "auspicious", or "opportune" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "unpropitious"?

Yes, "unpropitious" is the antonym of "propitious" and means unfavorable or inauspicious. It's used to describe circumstances that are not conducive to success.

What is the difference between "propitious" and "promising"?

"Propitious" refers to circumstances that are favorable at a particular time, while "promising" suggests potential for future success. "Propitious" focuses on the present conditions, whereas "promising" looks to the future.