ENGLISH
REFERENCE

auspices

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US //ˈɔspɪsɪz// UK //ˈɔːspɪsɪz// aus·pices

n. the support, help, or protection of a person or organization. You usually use this when a project is happening under the official name of a group.

n. the patronage, support, or guidance provided by an organization or individual. Often implies a formal framework of protection or sponsorship.


SIMPLE

The concert was held under the auspices of the city council.

CONTEXTUAL

The medical mission operated under the auspices of the Red Cross to ensure safe passage through the region.

COMPLEX

While the research was conducted under the auspices of the university, the funding was provided entirely by private donors who maintained no control over the final results.

Synonyms
Usage

Almost exclusively used in the plural form and within the prepositional phrase 'under the auspices of'.

Pitfall

under the auspice ofunder the auspices ofThe word is a pluralia tantum in this sense; using the singular form is considered non-standard.

© 2026 English Reference