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
-
gracious or favourably inclined
Other Word Forms
- propitiously adverb
- propitiousness noun
- unpropitious adjective
- unpropitiously adverb
- unpropitiousness noun
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; -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.
But those who are hoping for such a propitious outcome will be disappointed.
From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025
He warned the UK could "be forced to revoke the concession in the least propitious of circumstances".
From BBC • Dec. 30, 2024
It seemed propitious that “Suffs” would start out, like that other historical fantasia “Hamilton,” at the Public Theater.
From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2024
Upon its discovery, soothsayers would’ve been summoned to interpret the meaning and declare whether the sign was sinister or propitious.
From Slate • Feb. 11, 2024
The dew fell, but with propitious softness; no breeze whispered.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
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.
