Unpropitiously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unpropitiously

[หŒษ™nหŒprษ’pษชหˆtjuหษ™sli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

unfortunate circumstances

In a manner that brings bad luck or misfortune; in an unlucky or unfavorable way. It is used to describe situations that are not conducive to success or happiness.

Synonyms

inauspiciously, unfavorably, unluckily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unpropitiously

This word is often used to describe situations or conditions that are not conducive to success or prosperity. It's a formal term, generally found in more elaborate or sophisticated texts.

  • The project began unpropitiously, with numerous technical issues and delays.
  • He unpropitiously chose the wrong time to ask for a promotion.
unluckily

This word is commonly used in everyday language to describe situations where adverse events happen by chance or bad luck. It carries a lighter tone compared to the others.

  • Unluckily, I missed the bus and had to walk to work.
  • He unluckily lost his wallet on the way to the store.
unfavorably

This word is generally used in situations where circumstances or conditions are not supportive or beneficial. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She was unfavorably compared to her more successful sister.
  • The weather forecast looked unfavorably for our planned picnic.
inauspiciously

Similar to 'unpropitiously', this word is used in contexts where an event or action appears doomed or likely to fail from the start. It indicates a likely negative outcome and is suitable for literary or formal writing.

  • The event started inauspiciously with a sudden downpour.
  • Their marriage began inauspiciously when they argued on their wedding day.

Examples of usage

  • She arrived unpropitiously just as the party was ending.
  • The rain started unpropitiously right before the outdoor wedding ceremony.
  • The news of the failed project came unpropitiously on the same day as her birthday.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use words like this one to describe situations that lead to unfortunate outcomes, enhancing the mood in storytelling.
  • In Shakespeare's works, similar terms help convey charactersโ€™ misfortunes, reflecting on their fate.

Psychology

  • People often perceive situations as unpropitious when theyโ€™re anxious, reinforcing negative thought patterns.
  • Cognitive biases can make individuals focus on unpropitious elements rather than positive outcomes in challenging scenarios.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often face a series of unpropitious events, laying the groundwork for dramatic tension.
  • Comedy often arises from unpropitious situations that lead to hilarious misunderstandings.

Origin of 'unpropitiously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'propitiosus', meaning favorable or advantageous.
  • The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, turning a positive word into its opposite, which means not favorable.

The word 'unpropitiously' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'propitiously' meaning 'favorably'. The concept of propitiousness dates back to ancient Roman and Greek beliefs, where propitiatory rituals were performed to appease the gods and bring about favorable outcomes. Over time, the word evolved to include the negation 'un-' to signify the opposite of being favorable or auspicious.


See also: unpropitious.