PROPITIOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does propitious mean? 

• PROPITIOUS (adjective)
  The adjective PROPITIOUS has 1 sense:

1. presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

  Familiarity information: PROPITIOUS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PROPITIOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

Context example:

a propitious alignment of planets for space exploration

Similar:

favorable; favourable; golden; lucky; prosperous (presaging or likely to bring good luck or a good outcome)

gracious (disposed to bestow favors)

Also:

auspicious (auguring favorable circumstances and good luck)

favorable; favourable ((of winds or weather) tending to promote or facilitate)

Attribute:

auspiciousness; propitiousness (the favorable quality of strongly indicating a successful result)

Antonym:

unpropitious (not propitious)

Derivation:

propitiousness (the favorable quality of strongly indicating a successful result)

 Context examples 

Her answer, therefore, was not propitious, at least not to Elizabeth's wishes, for she was impatient to get home.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

So it was, when Martin arrived later in the day, that he kept her present in his breast-pocket, deferring the giving of it to a more propitious occasion.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

For some time, I am doubtful of Miss Shepherd's feelings, but, at length, Fate being propitious, we meet at the dancing-school.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The dew fell, but with propitious softness; no breeze whispered.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Taking advantage of the propitious moment, Meg slipped away and ran down to greet her husband with a smiling face and the little blue bow in her hair which was his especial admiration.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

There were points on which they did not quite agree; there were moments in which she did not seem propitious; and though trusting altogether to her affection, so far as to be resolved—almost resolved—on bringing it to a decision within a very short time, as soon as the variety of business before him were arranged, and he knew what he had to offer her, he had many anxious feelings, many doubting hours as to the result.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Her first proposal would have to be deferred to a more propitious time and a more eligible suitor.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk, for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

He was like one under the propitious influence of a charm, from the moment of his being usefully employed; and if there were a happy man in the world, that Saturday night, it was the grateful creature who thought my aunt the most wonderful woman in existence, and me the most wonderful young man.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

That feature too is propitious.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)