Auspicious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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auspicious
[ษหหspษชสษs ]
Definition
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| auspicious |
Used to describe an event or occasion that appears to be successful or showing signs of future success.
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| promising |
Applied to situations or efforts that show signs of success or potential.
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| propitious |
Similar to 'auspicious', but slightly more formal, indicating favorable conditions or circumstances.
|
| fortunate |
Describes someone who is lucky or has unexpected good luck.
|
| favorable |
Refers to conditions or circumstances that are advantageous or likely to result in success.
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| lucky |
Used when someone experiences success or good things because of chance rather than through their own efforts.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 charactersโ 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.
Origin of 'auspicious'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'auspicious' comes from the Latin word 'auspex', which means 'one who looks at birds'. In ancient Rome, auspices were signs interpreted from the behavior of birds to determine whether a course of action was favorable or not. Over time, 'auspicious' came to mean 'showing signs of future success', reflecting the belief that certain signs or omens could foretell good fortune.
See also: auspice.