Use auspicious for a beginning, moment, sign, event, or condition that seems favorable. The word sounds more formal than promising or lucky.
Use auspicious for a beginning, moment, sign, event, or condition that seems favorable. The word sounds more formal than promising or lucky.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The project had an auspicious failure. | The project had an auspicious beginning. |
| It was auspicious for bad news. | It was a bad omen for the news. |
| She felt auspicious about the plan. | She felt optimistic about the plan. |
| The start was suspicious. | The start was auspicious. |
Use auspicious in cultural, religious, or ceremonial contexts for dates, numbers, colors, or signs. Do not imply that the result is guaranteed.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| They chose an auspiciously date. | They chose an auspicious date. |
| The number was auspicious for unlucky. | The number was considered auspicious. |
| Auspicious means definitely guaranteed. | Auspicious means favorable or promising, not guaranteed. |
| The omen was suspicious. | The omen was auspicious. |
The word suits formal or ceremonial style. In ordinary speech, promising, lucky, favorable, or good sign is often simpler.
Auspicious does not mean suspicious. The words look similar but have very different meanings: favorable versus suspect.
From Latin auspicium, the observation of birds to interpret divine will, through auspex, a watcher of birds. This is why the word keeps a link with favorable signs and omens.
What does auspicious mean?
It means favorable, promising, or considered lucky.
Is auspicious formal?
Yes. It is more formal than lucky or promising.
What is an auspicious date?
It is a date considered lucky or favorable for an important event.
Is auspicious the same as suspicious?
No. Auspicious means favorable. Suspicious means causing suspicion.
Does auspicious guarantee success?
No. It suggests good signs or favorable conditions, not certainty.
What is the opposite of auspicious?
The main opposite is inauspicious. Other opposites include unfavorable, unlucky, and ominous.
How do you use auspicious in a sentence?
For example: The project had an auspicious beginning.