English Reference
adjective

festive

adj.
US /ˈfɛstɪv/ UK /fˈɛstɪv/ fes·tive

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    looking or feeling happy and bright because of a holiday or celebration.

    relating to or suitable for a feast or festival; characterized by bright decorations and a joyful atmosphere.

    Simple

    The city looked very festive with all the colorful lights and decorations.

    In context

    The town square was transformed into a festive marketplace, complete with traditional music and stalls selling seasonal treats.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling happy and ready to celebrate a special event.

    describing a person's joyful or celebratory disposition.

    Simple

    Everyone was in a festive mood after the team won the championship.

    In context

    Despite the cold weather, the crowd remained in a festive spirit as they waited for the parade to begin.


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.

This entry
Origin Latin festivus
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated