Auspicious
What it means
Giving credible signs that a favorable result is likely.
Reach for it when marking a beginning or circumstance that encourages confidence
Clear skies and a full crew made an auspicious start to the expedition.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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everyday
Fits when positive expectation is the central feeling
Careful Hopeful can rest on desire alone, whereas auspicious points to a sign.
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everyday
Fits when early evidence supports hope for later success
Careful Promising fits a person or project, while auspicious often marks a moment or sign.
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warm
Fits when progress gives people a reason to continue
Careful Encouraging describes a response to evidence, not necessarily the conditions themselves.
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warm
Fits when good luck shaped the circumstance
Careful Fortunate names luck in the present, not a sign pointing toward future success.
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professional
Fits when conditions objectively support the desired result
Careful Favorable is measured and lacks auspicious's sense of a meaningful beginning.
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formal
Fits when the timing is particularly suitable
Careful An opportune moment can be useful without predicting a good outcome.
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literary
Fits when circumstances seem exceptionally well timed
Careful Propitious is rarer and sounds affected in ordinary business writing.
Opposites 3
- inauspicious
- ominous
- unpromising
Common phrases 3
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auspicious start
The first clean test gave the project an auspicious start.
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auspicious occasion
The library opening was an auspicious occasion for the neighborhood.
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auspicious sign
The return of nesting birds was an auspicious sign for the restored marsh.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated