- Today's Word
Felicitous
fuh-LISS-ih-tus
Definition
(adjective) Well-suited or appropriate for the occasion; pleasing in manner or style.
Example
Her speech was filled with felicitous phrases that brought laughter and applause.
Fun Fact
“Felicitous” shares a root with “felicity,” meaning happiness or bliss. It’s often used in writing and speeches to praise word choices that are especially fitting or graceful—perfectly timed compliments, witty turns of phrase, or the right joke at the right time.
(adjective) Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy or secretive.
She cast a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting.
Late Middle English: from Latin “surreptitius,” from “surripere” meaning “to take away secretly,” from “sub-” (secretly) + “rapere” (to seize).