Inauspicious vs. Auspicious — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
Inauspicious indicates unfavorable or unlucky circumstances, while auspicious suggests favorable or lucky conditions.
Difference Between Inauspicious and Auspicious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inauspicious refers to situations or omens that are considered unfavorable or likely to lead to a negative outcome, whereas auspicious is used to describe scenarios that are seen as favorable or conducive to success.
In many cultures, certain days or events are labeled as inauspicious, suggesting they are not suitable for initiating important activities, while auspicious days are chosen for weddings or business openings due to their positive associations.
The term inauspicious often carries a sense of gloom or doom, hinting at potential failure or difficulties; on the other hand, auspicious implies a positive vibe, increasing expectations of good outcomes and success.
In literature, an inauspicious setting can be used to foreshadow hardship or tragedy in a narrative, whereas an auspicious setting might hint at forthcoming prosperity or joy.
In astrology, planets or stars in certain alignments are considered inauspicious, believed to predict challenges, while auspicious alignments are thought to forecast favorable times.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Indicating unfavorable prospects
Indicating favorable prospects
Cultural Associations
Often linked with bad luck and caution
Commonly associated with good luck
Impact on Events
Suggests a higher chance of problems
Suggests a likelihood of success
Usage in Literature
Used to foreshadow negative outcomes
Used to foreshadow positive outcomes
Astrological Associations
Alignments predicting difficulties
Alignments predicting good fortune
Compare with Definitions
Inauspicious
Not conducive to success.
The dark clouds on their wedding day seemed an inauspicious start.
Auspicious
Lucky.
Finding a four-leaf clover is seen as an auspicious sign.
Inauspicious
Unfavorable.
His inauspicious remarks during the meeting soured the mood.
Auspicious
Signifying good fortune.
The auspicious symbols at the entrance bode well for the family.
Inauspicious
Ill-omened.
The broken mirror was taken as an inauspicious sign.
Auspicious
Favorable.
The sunny weather on their graduation day was auspicious.
Inauspicious
Not conducive to success; unpromising
Following this inauspicious start the British, outnumbered, withdrew
Auspicious
Fortunate.
Her arrival was considered auspicious by all her colleagues.
Inauspicious
Not favorable; not auspicious.
Auspicious
Conducive to success; favourable
It was not the most auspicious moment to hold an election
Inauspicious
Not auspicious; ill-omened
Auspicious
Presenting favorable circumstances or showing signs of a favorable outcome; propitious
An auspicious time to ask for a raise.
Inauspicious
Not auspicious; ill-omened; unfortunate; unlucky; unfavorable.
Auspicious
Of good omen; indicating future success.
Inauspicious
Not auspicious; boding ill
Auspicious
Conducive to success.
This is an auspicious day.
Inauspicious
Contrary to your interests or welfare;
Adverse circumstances
Made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions
Auspicious
Marked by success; prosperous.
Inauspicious
Presaging ill-fortune;
Ill omens
Ill predictions
My words with inauspicious thunderings shook heaven
A dead and ominous silence prevailed
A by-election at a time highly unpropitious for the Government
Auspicious
Having omens or tokens of a favorable issue; giving promise of success, prosperity, or happiness; predicting good; as, an auspicious beginning.
Auspicious union of order and freedom.
Inauspicious
Unlucky.
Choosing that path proved to be an inauspicious decision.
Auspicious
Prosperous; fortunate; as, auspicious years.
Inauspicious
Portending bad fortune.
The inauspicious sound of the howling wind worried them all night.
Auspicious
Favoring; favorable; propitious; - applied to persons or things.
Auspicious
Attended by favorable circumstances;
An auspicious beginning for the campaign
Auspicious
Tending to favor or bring good luck;
Miracles are auspicious accidents
Encouraging omens
A favorable time to ask for a raise
Lucky stars
A prosperous moment to make a decision
Common Curiosities
Can a day be both auspicious and inauspicious?
Yes, depending on cultural or personal beliefs, a day could have both qualities.
What does inauspicious mean?
It means not favorable or unlucky.
What makes a time auspicious for starting a business?
Good weather, favorable astrological conditions, or culturally significant dates can make a time auspicious.
What role does inauspiciousness play in business?
Many businesses consider astrological or cultural factors to avoid inauspicious timings for important decisions or launches.
How can someone avoid inauspicious circumstances?
Many cultures use rituals, specific calendar dates, or amulets to ward off inauspicious circumstances.
What does auspicious mean?
It refers to something that is favorable or lucky.
What are typical symbols of auspiciousness?
Symbols like the swastika in Hinduism, four-leaf clovers in Western cultures, and red envelopes in Chinese tradition signify auspiciousness.
What impact does auspiciousness have on social events?
Auspiciousness can greatly influence the planning and success perception of social events like weddings, festivals, and community gatherings.
How can an event be considered inauspicious?
Events can be considered inauspicious based on timing, omens, or previous experiences.
How does one determine if a day is auspicious or inauspicious?
This can be determined through astrological charts, cultural calendars, or traditional practices specific to a community or region.
Are there specific colors associated with auspiciousness?
Yes, red is commonly associated with luck and auspiciousness in Asian cultures, while white might be seen as auspicious in Western weddings.
What practical steps can be taken to enhance auspiciousness in daily life?
Practices such as choosing specific dates for activities, decorating with lucky symbols, and following positive rituals are common ways to enhance auspiciousness.
Is the concept of auspiciousness universal?
While the concept is widely recognized, what is considered auspicious can vary significantly across different cultures and traditions.
Can the inauspiciousness of an object change over time?
Yes, perceptions of an object’s auspiciousness or inauspiciousness can change based on new experiences, changes in cultural context, or reassessment of traditional beliefs.
Can a location be considered inauspicious?
Yes, certain places can be deemed inauspicious due to historical events, beliefs, or recurring misfortunes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
