1
Core quality
Indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
Example
Clear weather provided an auspicious start to the expedition.
auspicious
/ɔːˈspɪʃəs/ · aw-SPISH-usadjective
Indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
Use auspicious to express this relationship precisely: indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
What auspicious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The first trial's success was an auspicious sign.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The discovery came at an auspicious moment for the project.
Use auspicious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Clear weather provided an auspicious start to the expedition.
The first trial's success was an auspicious sign.
The discovery came at an auspicious moment for the project.
Precision Matters
Auspicious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
auspicious
vs.Means indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
fortuitous
Means occurring by chance rather than design, often with a fortunate result.
auspicious
vs.Means indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
ominous
Means threatening or suggesting that something bad is likely to happen.
auspicious
vs.Means indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
conducive
Means making a particular outcome likely, possible, or easier to achieve.
auspicious
vs.Means indicating or suggesting a favourable outcome, success, or good fortune.
advantageous
Means providing a benefit or favourable circumstances.
Test auspicious in Context
The beginning suggests favourable prospects for later success.
1
Strong attendance and generous early funding gave the programme an ___ beginning.