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.
The find comes at a propitious time, with gold trading above $4,400 a troy ounce, having more than doubled in value in the past few years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
The timing was propitious for those who bought as this transition from a high interest rate regime was occurring.
From BBC ● May 17, 2026
But those who are hoping for such a propitious outcome will be disappointed.
From Barron's ● Nov. 26, 2025
For a grateful Mr. Zelensky, the timing was propitious.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2024
She waits until the moon is propitious, then calls Graciela on the telephone, inviting her to the beauty shop for a free permanent.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
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.
