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Auspicious: meaning, definitions and examples

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auspicious

 

[ɔːˈspɪʃəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

good luck

Conducive to success or a favorable outcome; showing signs of future success or good fortune.

Synonyms

favorable, fortunate, lucky, promising, propitious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
auspicious

Used to describe an event or occasion that appears to be successful or showing signs of future success.

  • The wedding day was chosen because it was considered an auspicious date.
  • An auspicious beginning to the new project raised everyone's spirits.
promising

Applied to situations or efforts that show signs of success or potential.

  • The young artist has a promising career ahead of him.
  • Her research showed promising results.
propitious

Similar to 'auspicious', but slightly more formal, indicating favorable conditions or circumstances.

  • They waited for a propitious moment to start negotiations.
  • Many believed the new moon was a propitious sign.
fortunate

Describes someone who is lucky or has unexpected good luck.

  • He was fortunate to escape unhurt from the accident.
  • Winning the lottery was a fortunate event for the family.
favorable

Refers to conditions or circumstances that are advantageous or likely to result in success.

  • The weather was favorable for hiking.
  • She received favorable reviews on her book.
lucky

Used when someone experiences success or good things because of chance rather than through their own efforts.

  • He was lucky to find a parking spot right in front of the store.
  • Finding a hundred-dollar bill on the street was purely lucky.

Examples of usage

  • The auspicious start to the new year filled everyone with hope.
  • The couple considered it an auspicious sign that it rained on their wedding day.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'auspicium', which means 'divination by observing birds', linking it to the idea of good omens.
  • In ancient Rome, priests would interpret the behavior of birds to predict if an event would be successful.
  • The prefix 'aus-' relates to 'augur', a term for a religious official who interpreted omens in ancient Rome.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have auspicious days or times determined by astrology, believed to bring good luck for weddings or important events.
  • In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered auspicious due to its phonetic similarity to the word for 'prosperity'.
  • In India, 'muhurat' is an auspicious time chosen for starting new ventures, as it's believed to bring success.

Psychology

  • People often feel more optimistic and motivated when they believe they are starting something during an auspicious time.
  • The concept includes cognitive biases where people remember successful outcomes when they think an event was auspicious.
  • Studies suggest that starting projects when feeling positive can lead to better outcomes, validating the belief in auspicious beginnings.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, auspicious moments are often linked with themes of fortune, success, and tragedy, exemplifying the duality of fate.
  • Many literary heroes embark on their quests under 'auspicious' signs, symbolizing hope and the potential for triumph.
  • The use of omens and signs in narrative often reflects characters’ beliefs in auspicious circumstances guiding their paths.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, lucky charms or signs often alert characters to take a risk, playing on the idea of auspicious beginnings.
  • Songs and literature often depict the idea of starting anew during crisp mornings or under a shining sun, invoking an auspicious feeling.
  • The concept has been embraced in motivational content where individuals are encouraged to identify 'auspicious moments' to take significant actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "auspicious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 auspicioso

🇮🇳 शुभ

🇩🇪 glücklich

🇮🇩 menguntungkan

🇺🇦 сприятливий

🇵🇱 pomyślny

🇯🇵 縁起の良い

🇫🇷 propice

🇪🇸 auspicioso

🇹🇷 uğurlu

🇰🇷 길조의

🇸🇦 مشؤوم

🇨🇿 příznivý

🇸🇰 priaznivý

🇨🇳 吉祥

🇸🇮 ugoden

🇮🇸 hagstæður

🇰🇿 қолайлы

🇬🇪 სასიკეთო

🇦🇿 uğurlu

🇲🇽 auspicioso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,674, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.