Propitious \Pro*pi"tious\, a. [L. propitius, perhaps originally a term of augury meaning, flying forward (pro) or well; cf. Skr. pat to fly, E. petition, feather.] 1. Convenient; auspicious; favorable; kind; as, a propitious season; a propitious breeze. 2. Hence, kind; gracious; merciful; helpful; -- said of a person or a divinity. --Milton. And now t' assuage the force of this new flame, And make thee [Love] more propitious in my need. --Spenser. Syn: Auspicious; favorable; kind. Usage: {Propitious}, {Auspicious}. Auspicious (from the ancient idea of auspices, or omens) denotes ``indicative of success,'' or ``favored by incidental occurrences;'' as, an auspicious opening; an auspicious event. Propitious denotes that which efficaciously protect us in some undertaking, speeds our exertions, and decides our success; as, propitious gales; propitious influences. -- {Pro*pi"tious*ly}, adv. -- {Pro*pi"tious*ness}, n. web1913
propitious adj : presenting favorable circumstances; "propitious omens" [ant: {unpropitious}] wn