auspicious
aw-SPI-shus
/ɔːˈspɪʃəs/
Conducive to success; favorable; giving or being a sign of future success.
Suggests that the beginning of something looks so good that the rest will likely succeed.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, an 'auspex' was a priest who watched the flight of birds to determine the will of the gods. If the birds flew in a certain way, the day was 'auspicious'—literally, 'bird-looking' favorable.
Word relationships
- favorable: Favorable is simpler; auspicious has a more formal, almost prophetic tone.
- promising: Promising is used for people or things that show potential; auspicious is used for situations.
- inauspicious: Not conducive to success; unpromising.
- ominous: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.
Commonly confused with
- suspicious: Suspicious means having a lack of trust; auspicious means looking like things will go well.
Word family
- auspices (noun): Divine or prophetic tokens; support or patronage.
Collocations
- auspicious beginning
- auspicious occasion
- auspicious sign
Example sentences
- "The sunny weather was an auspicious sign for the outdoor wedding." New beginnings
- "Winning the first contract within a week was an auspicious start for the new company." Business
Memory hook
Auspicious sounds like 'all-spices'—a good mix for a successful dish. Good omens.
When not to use
Do not use for something that is already successful; use it for the 'signs' or 'start' of success.
Fun facts
- The word 'inaugurate' also comes from the same tradition of bird-watching (augury).
Related words
Explore more words
promising, conducive, providential, resolute, prosperity, rosy
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