propitious circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propitious circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a favorable or advantageous situation that is conducive to success or positive outcomes. Example: "The team found themselves in a propitious circumstance, with all the resources they needed to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After 1340, when the battle of Río Salado settled the question of the straits in Castile's favour, Granada adopted a policy of isolation, taking advantage of any propitious circumstance to strengthen its land frontiers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Propitious circumstances for the opposition, you might think.Apparently not.

The Economist

Moderate suburban voters do not see the world as liberals do, even in the most propitious circumstances, and never will.

The New York Times

Their current weapon of necessity is terrorism but, given propitious circumstances, they can work through the ballot box as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

And his family's never very propitious circumstances received a blow when, after the war, his father was imprisoned for his fascist sympathies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That changed in the run-up to the 2010 general election, when the party began to connect Euroscepticism with public hostility to immigration from Europe, in increasingly propitious circumstances.

The Economist

In less propitious circumstances, voters might have hesitated before voting for a measure to cap immigration that Swiss business recognises has delivered wealth-generating skills and substantial economic benefits.

The Economist

Intervention required an unlikely combination of propitious circumstances on the ground, political will in world capitals, and a kind of moral legitimacy that was able to override the self-serving objections of ethnically or economically interested parties.

The New Yorker

And in the small, low-ceilinged rooms of the Brontë Parsonage Museum, with its scant collection of childhood toys, I found a model for the way writerly selves can be forged from less than propitious circumstances.

The New York Times

From Deng Xiaoping's market opening in 1978 to Poland's adoption of "shock therapy" in 1990, bold politicians have seized propitious circumstances to push through reforms that transformed their countries.

The Economist

It is all thin gruel, but – here's the irony – if Mr Cameron had only engaged with his partners, instead of posturing, he would have found propitious circumstances for his agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propitious circumstance" when you want to convey that a situation is not only favorable but also particularly well-suited for a specific purpose or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "propitious circumstance" in very informal contexts. While correct, it can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversation; consider alternatives like "lucky break" or "good timing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propitious circumstance" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe a situation or condition that is particularly favorable or advantageous.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propitious circumstance" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a particularly favorable set of conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, though perhaps less suited to very informal settings. When aiming to highlight the opportune nature of a situation, "propitious circumstance" serves as a strong and effective choice. Alternatives such as "favorable situation" can be used for simpler phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorable situation

Replaces the adjective "propitious" with its more common synonym "favorable".

opportune moment

Shifts the focus from the general conditions to a specific point in time.

advantageous condition

Uses "advantageous" to emphasize the benefits offered by the circumstances.

auspicious occasion

Implies a sense of formality or ceremony surrounding the favorable circumstances.

golden opportunity

Highlights the potential for significant gain or success.

fortunate turn of events

Highlights the element of luck or chance that led to the favorable outcome.

happy coincidence

Emphasizes the unplanned and positive nature of the situation.

serendipitous event

Suggests that the favorable circumstances were discovered by chance in a happy way.

a break

Uses the single word "break" as a synonym, used especially to describe a good moment.

stroke of luck

Emphasizes the role of pure chance or good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "propitious circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "propitious circumstance" to describe a situation that is particularly favorable or advantageous for achieving a desired outcome. For instance: "The alignment of market trends created a "propitious circumstance" for launching the new product".

What's a more common synonym for "propitious circumstance"?

While "propitious circumstance" is perfectly correct, more common alternatives include "favorable situation" or "advantageous condition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it best to use "propitious circumstance" over a simpler phrase?

"Propitious circumstance" is best when you want to emphasize that the conditions are not only good but also uniquely or perfectly suited to a particular purpose. It adds a sense of specialized favorability beyond mere luck.

Is "propitious circumstance" appropriate for all writing styles?

While grammatically correct, "propitious circumstance" is more formal. For informal writing, consider using phrases like "lucky break" or "good timing" to maintain a consistent tone.