Word
auspicious
Phoneticsaus·pi·cious, stress on the second syllable
US/ɑˈspɪʃəs/
UK/ɔːspˈɪʃəs/
Definition
adj. showing that something is likely to be successful in the future. You use this to describe a positive start to a project or event.
adj. suggesting that future success is likely; attended by favorable circumstances. Often used to describe the beginning of an endeavor or a specific sign.
Examples
“Winning the first game was an auspicious start to the season.”
“The clear blue skies provided an auspicious beginning for the outdoor wedding ceremony.”
“Despite the initial funding difficulties, the project's auspicious launch in the international market suggested a highly profitable fiscal year ahead.”
Examples
simple
“Winning the first game was an auspicious start to the season.”
contextual
“The clear blue skies provided an auspicious beginning for the outdoor wedding ceremony.”
complex
“Despite the initial funding difficulties, the project's auspicious launch in the international market suggested a highly profitable fiscal year ahead.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'start', 'beginning', or 'sign'.
Real-World Examples
“Red is, of course, considered auspicious in China.” “In the centuries that followed, Kailash became known as a particularly auspicious place to meditate and to visit on pilgrimage.” Etymology
From auspice + -ious, from Latin auspicium (“augury”), from auspex (“augur”), possibly via French.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/auspicious