Felicitous
hardPositive tonefih-LIS-ih-tus
adjective
Definition
well-chosen and apt; pleasingly suitable
Memory hook
FELICITous: think FELICITY (happiness); a felicitous phrase is a happily perfect, well-chosen fit.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Her toast struck a felicitous balance between humor and sincerity.”
“The architect made a felicitous choice in pairing glass with old brick.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Her toast struck a ______ balance between humor and sincerity.”
Show answer
felicitous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Felicitous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "apt" or "fitting" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "inept".
Related GRE Words
appropriate
(verb) To take something for one's own use without permission; (adjective) suitable or proper
usurp
to seize power, position, or rights without legitimate authority
approbation
official or warm approval and praise
deprecate
to express strong disapproval of; to belittle
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad
grandiloquent
pompous or inflated in language; using lofty, bombastic speech
Master felicitous and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.