What does propitious mean?
Propitious is a formal adjective meaning favorable, auspicious, or especially suited to achieving a good result. It is often used with words such as moment, time, occasion, circumstances, and opportunity. Describing a moment as propitious suggests that the timing is particularly fortunate, while describing conditions as propitious means that they create a promising setting for success. The word has a distinctly literary and elevated tone, so it is less common in everyday conversation than expressions such as favorable or good. Its implication of auspiciousness makes it especially appropriate for decisions, events, or efforts in which timing and circumstances are important. It is also used figuratively, for example, to describe a development that seems likely to benefit a person or project.
adjectiveFavorable or auspicious; indicating or suggesting that good fortune or success is likely. It can also describe circumstances that are conducive to a particular outcome.
- Favorable or auspicious, especially in relation to a particular time, circumstance, or opportunity.
- Conducive to a successful or beneficial outcome.
"The team seemed to have the most propitious of conditions for a successful campaign."
"The weather was propitious for the outdoor ceremony."
"Her careful preparation made the negotiation considerably more propitious."
Sometimes the best strategy is to wait for a propitious moment and let good timing do part of the work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does propitious come from?
Propitious comes from the Latin adjective propitius, meaning favorable, gracious, or auspicious. The word entered English in the 17th century and was associated with a favorable sign or an opportune time. Its relatives propitiate and propitiation derive from the related Latin root propitio, meaning favor or propitiation, and ultimately from pro- and a root related to appease.
Related word forms
How propitious is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary. It conveys more than merely being convenient: it suggests conditions that are especially favorable or likely to bring good fortune.
Easily confused with propitious
Propitious means favorable or auspicious, whereas precious means highly valued, cherished, or of great worth.