auspices
auspices Lexical Profile
auspices Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Patronage, sponsorship, guidance, or protection provided by an authoritative person or organization, typically used in the phrase 'under the auspices of'.
"The international peace negotiations were conducted under the auspices of the United Nations."
Prophetic signs or omens, especially favorable ones, originally observed from the flight and feeding of birds in ancient Rome.
"The new cultural institute opened its doors under the most favorable auspices."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern English, 'auspices' is almost exclusively used in the plural within the formal prepositional phrase 'under the auspices of' (meaning with the support, sponsorship, or protection of). The singular form 'auspice' is rarely used today except when referring to a favorable omen or ancient Roman bird divination.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Latin 'auspicium' (divination by observing the flight of birds), a compound of 'avis' (bird) and 'specere' (to look at), because ancient Roman augurs sought favorable signs from birds before undertaking major public enterprises.