pruh-PISH-uhs
(adjective) Indicating a good chance of success; favorable or auspicious.
It was a propitious moment to invest, as market conditions were ideal.
Fun Fact
“Propitious” stems from Latin propitius, meaning “gracious” or “favorable.” In historical texts, it often signaled divine blessing or omens, and in modern usage, it suggests timing or conditions that tilt luck or outcomes in your favor—whether in business, diplomacy, or chance.
aj-uh-LAY-shun
(noun) Excessive admiration or praise, often to the point of insincerity or obsession.
The celebrity was showered with adulation, though some of it felt more like performance than sincerity.
Late Middle English: from Latin adulatio(n-), from adulari meaning “to fawn upon.”
Fun Fact
Adulation isn’t just praise — it’s over-the-top, sometimes cringe-worthy worship. While it can be genuine, it often implies that someone is going too far in their admiration, whether for a pop star, political figure, or social media influencer. It frequently appears in commentary about celebrity culture, cult followings, or fan behavior that blurs the line between loyalty and obsession.