Felicitous

Definition

Apt, pleasing, and well-suited to the purpose — said of a phrase, choice, or situation that fits perfectly and produces a small, satisfying correctness.

Beyond the definition

A felicitous phrase is one that arrives already complete — it couldn't have been said another way. Felicitous is the compliment you give to the writer who found the exact word, the friend who said exactly the right thing.

Origin & history

Latin 'felix/felicis' (happy, fortunate, fruitful) + '-ous.' The same root as 'felicity' and 'Felix.' A felicitous thing produces a small happiness — the satisfaction of something perfectly placed.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

The metaphor was felicitous — it did exactly what metaphors are supposed to do.

He had a felicitous way with compliments — specific, surprising, accurate.

The timing was felicitous: the letter arrived the day she most needed to read it.

How to use it

This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.

Choose “Felicitous” when the meaning fits your context: Apt, pleasing, and well-suited to the purpose — said of a phrase, choice, or situation that fits perfectly and produces a small, satisfying correctness.

Synonyms

apt, well-chosen, appropriate, fortunate, pleasing

Antonyms

infelicitous, ill-chosen, awkward

Related words

• apropos
• auspicious

Questions about this word

What does "Felicitous" mean?

Felicitous is adjective meaning: Pleasingly well-chosen or well-expressed; apt and agreeable.. Apt, pleasing, and well-suited to the purpose — said of a phrase, choice, or situation that fits perfectly and produces a small, satisfying correctness.

Where does the word "Felicitous" come from?

Latin 'felix/felicis' (happy, fortunate, fruitful) + '-ous.' The same root as 'felicity' and 'Felix.' A felicitous thing produces a small happiness — the satisfaction of something perfectly placed.