propitious
Americanadjective
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presenting favorable conditions; favorable.
propitious weather.
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indicative of favor; auspicious.
propitious omens.
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favorably inclined; disposed to bestow favors or forgive.
propitious gods.
adjective
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favourable; auguring well
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gracious or favourably inclined
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of propitious
1400–50; late Middle English propicius < Latin propitius favorably inclined, propitious, probably equivalent to pro- pro- 1 + -pit-, combining form of petere to head for, resort to, solicit + -ius adj. suffix; see -ous
Explanation
When the timing of something is propitious, it's likely to turn out well. A propitious time for taking a big test is when you've studied hard and had a good night's sleep. If you believe in astrology, you might check your horoscope to settle on a propitious day for your wedding. A propitious moment to ask your parents about that spring break trip to Cancun might be when you've just unveiled your straight-A report card.
Vocabulary lists containing propitious
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This should once again remind foreign investors of the relative level of regulatory and governance risk associated with Chinese equities," said Propitious Research analyst Wium Malan, who publishes on Smartkarma platform.
From Reuters • Feb. 21, 2023
A grateful Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen then bestowed on the San Francisco Democrat the turquoise sash and medal of the Order of Propitious Clouds in honor of Pelosi’s contribution to U.S.-Taiwan relations.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2022
At the event, Ms. Pelosi was presented with an award, the Order of Propitious Clouds, given to Taiwanese and foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to Taiwan.
From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2022
In a short ceremony, Tsai presented Pelosi with a medal, the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon, for her work promoting U.S.-Taiwan ties.
From Washington Post • Aug. 2, 2022
Propitious winds filled the sails of its commerce, prosperity smiled graciously on its every enterprise, and the outside world encouraged its social pretensions.
From Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2) The True Story Of A Great Life by Herndon, William H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
