auspicious

Everyday

1. (formal) Showing signs that something will go well; a lucky or promising start. tree →
2. (formal) Special and important, as in «on this auspicious occasion». tree →

In the lessons

It is a formal, rather grand word used in speeches, stories and exam writing; it tells the reader things look hopeful. In lessons on festivals, people choose an «auspicious day» for weddings or new starts (for example in Chinese and Hindu traditions). Phrases: «an auspicious start», «an auspicious day», «hardly auspicious».

Examples

• Winning the first match was an auspicious start to the season. tree →
• The head teacher began, «On this auspicious occasion, we open our new library.» tree →
• Many families pick an auspicious day for a wedding. tree →
• Rain on sports day was not an auspicious beginning. tree →
• The rainbow seemed an auspicious sign to the travellers. tree →
• It was hardly an auspicious moment to ask for more pocket money. tree →
• Red is seen as an auspicious colour at Chinese New Year. tree →
• No more auspicious talisman of luck and success could she have given her nephew, and she bade him use it in the hour of his greatest need. tree →

Note

Adjective only, formal register; in everyday talk say «a good sign» or «promising». Opposite: inauspicious (an unlucky or poor start). Spelling: au-spi-cious, ends in -cious. Use «an» before it: an auspicious start.