propitious

[ pruh-pish-uhs ]

See synonyms for propitious on Thesaurus.com

adjective

presenting favorable conditions; favorable: propitious weather.
indicative of favor; auspicious: propitious omens.

favorably inclined; disposed to bestow favors or forgive: propitious gods.

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

Other words from propitious

pro·pi·tious·ly, adverb
pro·pi·tious·ness, noun
un·pro·pi·tious, adjective
un·pro·pi·tious·ly, adverb
un·pro·pi·tious·ness, noun

Words Nearby propitious

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use propitious in a sentence

“We tested Edison’s intuition that there is a fleeting, propitious moment for insightful thoughts within the sleep onset period,” the team wrote.
The ‘Twilight Zone’ Before Deep Sleep Could Boost Your Creativity | Shelly Fan | December 14, 2021 | Singularity Hub
For devout Christians—and not just the devout—Easter weekend is an especially propitious time to do exactly that.
Cliven Bundy Is Angry—Just Like the Rest of Us | James Poulos | April 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
This summer seems an especially propitious time for a hiatus.
All Good Things... | David Frum | June 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Just as clearly, this is a propitious moment for the Clinton magic to work its charms on a uniquely receptive audience.
How to Revive The Peace Process: A Modest Proposal | Letty Cottin Pogrebin | May 9, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
If, as they say, timing is everything, then Lawrence reached the Supreme Court at a propitious moment indeed.
The Real Story of Lawrence v. Texas Revealed in ‘Flagrant Conduct’ | Kirk Davis Swinehart | March 28, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

The Clinton tax hike simply came at an unusually propitious moment, enabling inappropriately high interest rates to tumble.
Bob Rubin's House of Cards | Jeff Madrick | November 29, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST
The time Mr. Jenyns thought most propitious, a point upon which he grew warm and almost serious.
The Eve of the Revolution | Carl Becker
Datto Timbang was watching, and the occasion was not a propitious one for taking christian blood.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
May 1780 be still more propitious for public and private happiness.
Private Letters of Edward Gibbon (1753-1794) Volume 1 (of 2) | Edward Gibbon
The duke has been studying the position from this terrace and decides that Blois is not a propitious spot for his secret schemes.
Catherine de' Medici | Honore de Balzac
The time is propitious, for as the council is now met in Alsatia, so the Temple walks are quiet.
The Fortunes of Nigel | Sir Walter Scott

British Dictionary definitions for propitious

propitious

/ (prəˈpɪʃəs) /

adjective

favourable; auguring well
gracious or favourably inclined

Origin of propitious

C15: from Latin propitius well disposed, from prope close to

Derived forms of propitious

propitiously, adverb
propitiousness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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