Propitious
/prəˈpɪʃ.əs/noun
Indicating or likely to result in success, especially because circumstances are favorable.
Did you know?In ancient Roman religious language, propitious described divine or supernatural favor, especially omens suggesting that an undertaking would succeed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pet-
“To rush toward, seek, or aim at; the probable deeper root behind Latin petere.”
Classical Latin
Latin
propitius
“Favorable, gracious, kind, or well-disposed; its deeper formation is uncertain, though it has traditionally been connected with pro and petere.”
Late Latin
Latin
propitius
“Favorable, especially in reference to divine favor, omens, or a deity’s attitude toward human affairs.”
14th Century
Old French
propice
“Favorable or auspicious; borrowed from Latin propitius.”
15th Century
English
propitious
“Favorable or promising success; adopted from French and Latin.”
Modern English
English
propitious
“Advantageous, auspicious, or suggesting that success is likely.”