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felicitous

English → EnglishformalliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "felicitous": Felicitous describes something that is well-chosen, apt, or perfectly suited to the circumstances. T

What does "felicitous" mean?

Felicitous describes something that is well-chosen, apt, or perfectly suited to the circumstances. The mental image is of a piece of a puzzle clicking into place exactly where it belongs, creating a sense of harmony, grace, or cleverness in expression or action. It is most commonly used to describe language, such as a "felicitous phrase" or a "felicitous remark," implying that the words were chosen with great skill and elegance. While it can describe a pleasant or fortunate situation, it is almost exclusively found in formal writing or sophisticated speech.

"felicitous" in conversation

Reviewing a speech draft

That was a very felicitous choice of words regarding the budget cuts.

That was a very felicitous choice of words regarding the budget cuts.

I was worried it sounded too blunt, but I'm glad it landed well.

I was worried it sounded too blunt, but I'm glad it landed well.

Used to compliment someone's precise and tactful choice of language.

Discussing a design

The way you integrated the garden into the living room is truly felicitous.

The way you integrated the garden into the living room is truly felicitous.

Thanks, it took a few tries to get the lighting just right.

Thanks, it took a few tries to get the lighting just right.

Used here to describe a design element that fits perfectly into its environment.

"felicitous" in a sentence

  1. The speaker made a felicitous remark that eased the tension in the room.

    The speaker made a felicitous remark that eased the tension in the room.

  2. Her essay was praised for its felicitous structure and clear arguments.

    Her essay was praised for its felicitous structure and clear arguments.

  3. The architect achieved a felicitous marriage of modern glass and traditional stone.

    The architect achieved a felicitous marriage of modern glass and traditional stone.

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