festive

[fes-tiv]

adjective

1. pertaining to or suitable for a feast or festival.

   festive decorations; a festive meal.

2. joyous; merry.

   a festive mood.

festive

/ ˈfɛstɪv /

adjective

1. appropriate to or characteristic of a holiday, etc; merry

Other Word Forms

• festiveness noun
• festively adverb
• nonfestive adjective
• nonfestively adverb
• nonfestiveness noun
• subfestive adjective
• subfestively adverb
• subfestiveness noun
• unfestive adjective
• unfestively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of festive¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin festīvus “merry, lively, joyous,” equivalent to festus “festal” + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of festive¹

C17: from Latin festīvus joyful, from festus of a _feast

Example Sentences

“I love roller coasters. I love that carnival energy going on. I love arcades. I love everything about that festive outdoor thing, and I’ve never grown out of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Wilmington, although the thousands of union members and allies were fired up, the rally and parade retained a festive vibe.

From Los Angeles Times

The plans describe the plaza as a "festive and exciting area rich with food and drink, retail, and entertainment offerings".

From BBC

If the supporting cast of men doesn’t make as deep an impression, the festive comic universe is nonetheless boldly brought to life.

From Los Angeles Times

Its festive first single, “Music is Better,” was meant as a kind of throwback to an early 2000s House sound.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cheery 
• chipper 
• convivial 
• gala 
• happy 
• hearty 
• jovial 
• joyful 
• joyous 
• jubilant 
• lighthearted 
• merry 
• peppy 
• upbeat