propitious

/propitious/

Thân thiện

The clear sky and gentle breeze made for a propitious start to their journey.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success: This is the core meaning of "propitious." It describes a situation, condition, or sign that is advantageous and suggests a good outcome is likely.
   • Favorably disposed; benevolent: This meaning is less common but describes a person, deity, or power that is kindly, gracious, or well-disposed.

Usage

The word "propitious" is a formal adjective. It is typically used to describe moments, conditions, omens, or signs that are favorable for starting an endeavor or that indicate future success. It is often followed by the preposition "for" (propitious for something).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The clear sky and calm winds created a propitious day for the sailing race.
  • They waited for a propitious moment to launch their new product.
  • The early sales figures are a propitious sign for the company's future.

Advanced Usage

• "propitious to": While less common than "for," this can be used, especially in more classical contexts, to mean favorable or conducive to something.
  • The quiet atmosphere was propitious to study and reflection.

Variants and Related Words

• Propitiatory (adj): Intended to win favor or appease someone, especially a deity. (e.g., )
• Propitiate (verb): To win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them. (e.g., )
• Propitiously (adv): In a propitious manner; favorably. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Favorable: Offering an advantage; helpful.
• Auspicious: Conducive to success; a more common synonym, often used for beginnings.
• Promising: Showing signs of future success.
• Benign: Gentle and kindly; favorable (especially in medical or climatic contexts).

Antonyms

• Inauspicious: Not conducive to success; unfavorable.
• Unfavorable: Not advantageous.
• Ominous: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.
• Adverse: Preventing success or development; harmful.

Idioms and Phrases

• A propitious start/beginning: A start that suggests future success.
  • The team's victory in the first game was a propitious start to the season.
• Under propitious circumstances: In favorable conditions.
  • The treaty was signed under propitious circumstances.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
   • propitious omens
   • propitious gales speeded us along
   • a propitious alignment of planets for space exploration