Word
festive
Phoneticsfes·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɛstɪv/
UK/fˈɛstɪv/
Definitions
01atmosphere or decoration
B1 · Intermediate
adj. looking or feeling happy and bright because of a holiday or celebration.
adj. relating to or suitable for a feast or festival; characterized by bright decorations and a joyful atmosphere.
“The city looked very festive with all the colorful lights and decorations.”
“The town square was transformed into a festive marketplace, complete with traditional music and stalls selling seasonal treats.”
Synonyms
02mood or attitude
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling happy and ready to celebrate a special event.
adj. describing a person's joyful or celebratory disposition.
“Everyone was in a festive mood after the team won the championship.”
“Despite the cold weather, the crowd remained in a festive spirit as they waited for the parade to begin.”
Etymology
From French festif, from Latin festivus (“pertaining to a feast, gay, lively, joyous”). Equivalent to feast + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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